With Switch Patents (Class 70/257)
  • Patent number: 11319732
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for pre-fluxing motors of vehicle door e-latches. An example vehicle includes a door including a handle that includes a switch. The handle also includes an e-latch that includes a latch and a motor for the latch. Responsive to detecting grasping of the handle via the switch, the e-latch is to pre-flux the motor and transmit an authentication request. The example vehicle also includes a body control module to cause the motor to unlock the door via the latch responsive to authenticating a fob upon receiving the authentication request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Jeffeory Berels, Christopher Matthew Radjewski, Laura Viviana Hazebrouck
  • Patent number: 10919429
    Abstract: Secure vehicles and methods for transporting and dispensing products are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Inventors: Maury D. Cole, Kim N. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 10698070
    Abstract: A user terminal, vehicle, and controlling method of vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a communication module configured to communicate with a user terminal and a controller configured to acquire a location of the user terminal, which corresponds to a search signal, when the search signal is received from the user terminal and to determine, based on sensor information of the user terminal, whether the acquired location of the user terminal is valid when the sensor information of the user terminal is received from the user terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, KIA Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jinwon Park, Seokgyu Kim, Jeong-gi Yun
  • Patent number: 10562540
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to place a vehicle into a valet mode, restricting vehicle usage. The processor is also configured to determine that a valet lag, having a wireless connection to the vehicle, is in motion, while the vehicle is in valet mode and activate an external indicator usable to find the vehicle, responsive to the tag motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Aaron DeLong, Vivekanandh Elangovan, Timothy Thivierge, Jr., Brian Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 10190338
    Abstract: A lock assembly (10) includes a first member (12) and a second member (14) including complimentary shaped protrusions (13) and recesses (15) that mate with one another. A locking assembly is housed in the first member (12). The locking assembly includes an electromechanical actuator (18) with a shaft (20) and a locking element (22) arranged to move along the shaft (20) between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking element (22) is formed with a recess. In the locked position, a locking bolt (16) passes through both first and second first member (12)s and a latch member (26) is received in the notch (28) but is not received in the recess of the locking element (22) so that the locking element (22) prevents movement of the latch member (26) and the locking bolt (16). In the unlocked position, the latch member (26) is received in the recess of the locking element (22), thereby permitting movement of the locking bolt (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Mul-T-Lock Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Adalbert Matyko
  • Patent number: 10119303
    Abstract: A padlock for securing and monitoring a switch of an industrial plant has a lock housing of plastic, furthermore a hoop which is displaceably held at the lock housing and a lock cylinder which is arranged in the lock housing and can selectively be brought from an open position into a locked position to lock the hoop to the lock housing. An RFID transponder is arranged in the lock housing. A securing and monitoring system for a switch of an industrial plant includes at least one such padlock and a mobile RFID reading device or an RFID reading device permanently attached in the environment of the switch, said RFID reading device being configured to read out the RFID transponder of the padlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: ABUS August Bremicker Söhne KG
    Inventor: Bernhard Garthe
  • Patent number: 9818294
    Abstract: A vehicle can detect a presence of a remote device. The vehicle can activate a sound source array that generates at least one ultrasound wave providing haptic feedback indicative of the presence of the vehicle to an operator of the vehicle, based on detecting the presence of the remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: James Jiang
  • Patent number: 9598003
    Abstract: An exterior door handle assembly suitable for mounting at a door handle region of a vehicle door includes a strap-handle portion and a sealed self-contained elongated lighting module having (i) at least one illumination source that, when electrically powered, emits light, (ii) an elongated housing and (iii) an elongated light-transmitting cover. The module may include an antenna and/or a light pipe. The strap-handle portion receives the sealed self-contained elongated lighting module. With the sealed self-contained elongated light module received in the strap-handle portion, the contour of the sealed self-contained elongated lighting module generally matches the contour of the strap-handle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventors: David A. Dingman, Brett A. Gorby, Keith D. Foote
  • Patent number: 9377873
    Abstract: A flexible glass display apparatus and a method for displaying image data in the apparatus are provided. The flexible glass display apparatus includes: a flexible glass display unit that displays image data portions; a sensing unit that detects bending of the display unit; another sensing unit that detects first and second areas which are brought into contact with each other due to bending of the display unit; and a controller, upon detection of contact between the first and second areas, controls at least one image data portion displayed in the first and second areas based on the contact, wherein an image data portion displayed in any one of the first and second areas is distinguishable in the other area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Doyoung Lee, Yongsin Kim, Jihwan Kim, Sinae Chun, Jongho Kim
  • Patent number: 9359794
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a door lock system with a knob. An apparatus controls transmission of displacement or rotational mechanical energy. A bolt is coupled to a door and the bolt is coupled to an input rod and an output rod. The bolt locks and unlocks a door in response transmission of displacement or delivery of rotational mechanical energy. At least one of an interior or exterior knob is coupled to the bolt and the apparatus that controls transmission of displacement or rotational mechanical energy. An energy source is used that is coupled to the apparatus that controls transmission of displacement or rotational mechanical energy. A wireless communication device is used to communication with a mobile device. Authorization is provided with the mobile device to engage the apparatus that controls transmission of displacement or rotational mechanical energy and allows a door user to manually open the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: AUGUST HOME, INC.
    Inventor: Shih Yu Thomas Cheng
  • Patent number: 8919159
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator (10) for closing and/or opening a mobile part, especially a door, a tailgate or the like. Said actuator comprises a support (20), an actuating element (30), an electronic unit (50) and a detector system (60), the actuating element (30) being arranged on the support (20), the detector system (60) being arranged in the region of the actuating element (30) and at least a locking or unlocking action being triggerable directly or indirectly on the detector system (60). The electronic unit (50) interacts with the detector system (60) and the electronic unit (50) controls a locking system (40) for locking or unlocking. The invention is characterized in that a receiving unit (70) is integrated into the support (20) and/or into a handle shell (32) in a material fit, at least a part of the electronic unit (50) being permanently accommodated in the receiving unit (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Witte, Mario Christensen, Erkan Korultay
  • Patent number: 8904835
    Abstract: Door handle assembly (1) for a vehicle, including a door handle (2) for actuating a door lock (6), which can be moved by external power from a level rest position to an exposed operative position, and a lock cylinder (3) placed adjacent to the door handle (2) for locking and unlocking the door lock (6). The lock cylinder (3) can be covered by a cover plate (4) which, when actuated by hand, exposes the lock cylinder (3) and allows switch of the door handle (2) from the rest position to the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Günther Böhm, Georg Hochholzer
  • Patent number: 8876172
    Abstract: An enhanced slide and hook locking mechanism control system for vending machines and the like that utilizes a reversible motor and worm gear drive that operates the slide and hook mechanism. The worm drive is coupled to the slide through a crankshaft type of interconnection. Or as alternatives, the slide means can be gear driven or it may be connected using push-pull type of cable or rod. An electronic control with a microcomputer interface drives the motor control and the system may be operated by a keypad or a remote wireless control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: TriTeq Lock and Security, LLC
    Inventors: William Denison, Gary L. Myers, Richard Paeth, Catalin Captarencu, Calin V. Roatis
  • Patent number: 8869576
    Abstract: A rotary electronic locking system for locking utility box or storage compartments installed on trucks or other vehicles, using a remote device like a remote key fob to lock and unlock the storage compartments, or by wiring the system to the vehicle's factory-installed electronic door lock system and utilizing the remote device supplied with the factory-installed electronic door lock system to lock and unlock the storage compartments. The rotary electronic locking system operates independently from the existing handles on the storage compartments. It may be used as a primary or secondary locking system, providing additional security. The system includes a rotating rod assembly with strikers, which is rotated by an electronic actuator causing the strikers to engage with or disengage from striker plates attached to the interior of the storage compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin Daniel O'Leary, Monty Andrew Contente
  • Patent number: 8869574
    Abstract: A door entry device comprising includes a case, a key holder and a key pad. The case covers a door-locking device on a door. The key holder has a slot into which a key end fits. The knob is mounted on the case. A currently active security code can be entered into the keypad. When the currently active security code has been entered into the keypad, turning the knob results in turning the key holder to unlock the door-locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Consumer 2.0, Inc.
    Inventors: Merrick Schmidt-Lackner, Clark Zhe Li
  • Patent number: 8833118
    Abstract: A lock for retrofitting onto a drawer or a door includes a drawer having a front panel. The drawer slidingly engages an item of furniture having a front face that is positioned above the front panel when the drawer is closed. A bracket has a vertically disposed flat front plate, a horizontally disposed flat top plate, a vertically disposed flat back plate, and a horizontally disposed motor platform that extends horizontally into an interior of the drawer. A motor having an output shaft is mounted on the motor platform. A latch supported by the motor platform is engaged by the output shaft. The latch is retracted when the drawer is unlocked and is extended to engage an interior side of the front panel of the furniture item when the drawer is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: James E. McLane
  • Patent number: 8833122
    Abstract: A transport clip for attachment to a key fob is provided. The transport clip includes a neck at least partially surrounding a key blade, which is selectively rotatable between a stowed position in which the key blade is substantially within a fob body and a deployed position in which the key blade extends away from the fob body. The neck prevents rotation of the transport clip relative to the key blade. The transport clip also includes an ear portion that depresses a latch button to an unlocked position, which allows substantially free rotation of the key blade, relative to the fob body, between the deployed position and the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Konchan, Jorg Gschweng, Grant W. Nelson, Kemal Altin, Frank Biallas, Jens Koenigsfeld
  • Patent number: 8739584
    Abstract: A door lock retainer may include a door-latch-mechanism frame, a retainer, and a door-lock cylinder. The door-latch-mechanism frame may support a linkage and include a landing surface. The retainer may include an aperture and a first surface engaging the landing surface and restricting deflection of the linkage. The door-lock cylinder may be received in the aperture and supported by the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: John S. Kargilis, Terence P. Grace, Ronald A. Evans, Derek Chance
  • Patent number: 8720239
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Matthew M. Crass, Jon M. LaRue, Mark T. Gordon, John J. Landree, Robert Keith Folkestad, II
  • Patent number: 8571707
    Abstract: A glove puppet manipulating system comprises a control module for generating control signals base on movements of human hand and a robot electrically connecting the control module installed inside a glove puppet. The robot has a body manipulating apparatus disposed on a foundation to manipulate the body of the glove puppet to rotate, a pair of hand manipulating apparatuses disposed on the body manipulating apparatus to manipulate the hands of the glove puppet to swivel, and a head manipulating apparatus interposed between the hand manipulating apparatuses on the body manipulating apparatus to manipulate the head of the glove puppet to nod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Jwu-Sheng Hu, Jyun-Ji Wang, Guan-Qun Sun, Chi-Him Tang
  • Patent number: 8539802
    Abstract: A device and a method are provided for transmitting a movement as well as corresponding forces or moments and in particular a rotational movement, wherein the transmission only takes place in a coupled state but not in a decoupled state. Devices and methods of this kind are in particular used in the field of lock devices, such as door or safe locks and the like. The device, in particular for a movement as well as corresponding forces and/or moments comprises a drive and a take-off, wherein the drive and take-off are coupled via a coupling element in such a manner that in the decoupled state a movement of the drive causes a movement of the coupling element which is not suitable for transmitting a movement of the drive to the take-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Simonvoss Technologies AG
    Inventor: Herbert Meyerle
  • Patent number: 8534676
    Abstract: A rotary actuator comprises a rotatable chuck assembly and an actuating mechanism. The chuck assembly may include a chuck housing movable between retracted and deployed positions. The chuck assembly may further include a pair of jaws pivotable between open and closed positions in correspondence to the retracted and deployed positions of the chuck housing. The actuating mechanism may be coupled to the chuck assembly for rotation between “Off”, “Neutral”, and/or “On” positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventors: Jeff Whisenand, Wayne Russell
  • Patent number: 8516864
    Abstract: A latch apparatus for providing secure storage to an enclosure is disclosed. The latch apparatus can include an actuating device that operates to lock or unlock the latch apparatus in response to a control signal. The control signal can be communicated to the latch apparatus through an RF or other transmitted signal or through hardwires connecting the latch apparatus to the remote device. The latch apparatus can be maintained in either a locked state or an unlocked state without having to continuously supply power to the latch apparatus. The latch apparatus can include a latch hook that can be detent biased to both the open position and the closed position while the latch apparatus is in either a locked state or an unlocked state. The latch hook can move from the open position to the closed position while the latch apparatus is in a locked state. The latch apparatus can also have a thickness such that the latch apparatus will fit in the gap in which drawer slide hardware for an enclosure is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: CompX International Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Greiner, Gregg W. Walla
  • Patent number: 8276414
    Abstract: A micropower passive electronic lock cylinder including an immovable cylinder body (3), a rotatable plug (1), and an electronic control circuit part is described. An electronic control circuit board (13) electrically connected with a micromotor (14) and locating switches (15, 16) is arranged in the rotatable plug (1). A lock pin (8), which is controlled by a displacement limiting cam (5) driven by the micromotor (14), moves between the immovable cylinder body (3) and the rotatable plug (1) to release or block the rotatable plug (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Shifu Luo
  • Patent number: 8245548
    Abstract: A handle assembly, includes, but is not limited to a handle on one side of a vehicle tailgate liftglass. The handle is connected to a shaft member that passes through a hole in the liftglass. A motor pivots the assembly into either a closed position, in which the handle lies adjacent to the liftglass, or an open position, FIG. 2, in which a gap is left between the handle and the liftglass into which the user may place his hand in order to pull the handle or push the liftglass. Preferably there is a resilient element between the motor and the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul Sibley, Phillip Taylor, Simon Keane
  • Patent number: 8186191
    Abstract: A locking paddle handle assembly for closures has a housing with a paddle handle pivotally mounted therein, a latch which latches and unlatches the closure upon rotation of the paddle handle, and a exterior key lock with a movable member that shifts between locked and unlocked positions. A deadbolt lock selectively engages the closure frame in the locked position to positively retain the closure closed. The deadbolt lock is operably connected with the movable key lock member, such that movement of the latter between the latched and unlatched positions contemporaneously shifts the deadbolt lock between the locked and unlocked positions. A remotely operable controller is operably connected with the deadbolt lock to power shift the same between the locked and unlocked positions from a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Bruce C. Bacon
  • Patent number: 8146394
    Abstract: A rotary lock actuator for manual or powered actuation of a lock of the type typically used on vehicle doors or storage compartments. The actuator has a housing with a motorized drive train therein. An actuating member is movable between first and second positions. A manual drive member and a powered drive member each have first and second drive surfaces spaced apart from one another. A drive finger is disposed in the spaces between the first and second drive surfaces of each drive member such that the drive finger is engageable with the actuating member. The first driving surface of each drive member engages the finger for moving the actuating member from a first position toward a second position upon movement of one of the drive members. The drive finger is engageable by the second driving surface of each drive member for moving the actuating member from a second position toward the first position upon movement one of the drive members. A bi-stable spring assists movement of the actuating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Questek Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Dale R. Krueger
  • Patent number: 8074481
    Abstract: A key assembly having an identification member secured to the key. In one embodiment, the identification member includes a programmable device that contains information indicative of one or more characteristics of the key that can be used to identify at least one of a) the type of key, b) the type of key blank, c) an origination address, d) a destination address, e) a manufacturer, f) a manufacturing date, and g) a lot number. Another embodiment may include a key, and an identification member secured to the key, wherein the identification member includes a programmable device that contains information indicative of a) the key type, b) the type of key blank, and c) cutting instructions for a key cutter to determine cut characteristics. Additional embodiments may include an automobile key and an identification member secured to the automobile key, where in the identification member includes memory for use as mobile data storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Hy-Ko Products Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Bass, Sandra Dively, Robert Steinberg, Richard W. Ryai, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7878035
    Abstract: A lock system includes a lock mechanism for holding a lid element in a locked state, an electric actuator for driving the lock mechanism to an unlocking side based on an operation of an open switch, and a key cylinder adapted to be operated to rotate by a key so as to be switched through the rotational operation to an “UNLOCK” position where the open switch is enabled to function and a “LOCK” position where the open switch is disabled from functioning, whereby unlocking of the lid element is prohibited through a rotational operation of the key cylinder to the “LOCK” position. An operating unit of the lock system causes the key cylinder and the lock mechanism to be mechanically linked with each other by a wire cable, whereby the lock mechanism is forcibly driven to the unlocking side through a rotational operation of the key cylinder to the “OPEN” position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taishi Yamaguchi, Yasuhiro Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 7845201
    Abstract: An electronic access control device with an actuator that requires little energy to change between the coupled and decoupled states. The actuator can have levers that interact to bias the control actuator in the decoupled state. The actuator can be changed between coupled and decoupled states by magnetizing and demagnetizing an armature that interacts with the levers. The electronic lock can include a security apparatus that prohibits the electronic lock from changing between the coupled and decoupled states when an external magnetic field is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: SimonsVoss Technologies AG
    Inventors: Herbert Meyerle, Norbert Voss, Ludger Voss, James S. Marschalek, Warren A. Simonsen, Stefan Parhofer
  • Publication number: 20100300162
    Abstract: A remote control locking system employs a remote transmitter which sends a signal to a message control module/signal receiver. This signal is ultimately forwarded to a cam control unit which positions a cam member to lock and unlock a door, using an internal latching system. The cam control unit has a motor which, through appropriate gear mechanism, rotates a drive shaft to control the position of the cam member for locking and unlocking the door. The message control module/receiver, cam control unit, and attendant components can be self-contained units, each unit configured for use on individual cam controlled doors. The system can be installed as original equipment on vehicles, but also is readily adaptable to retrofitting existing vehicles which do not have remote locking capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Louis W. Cappuccio, Luke J. Coia
  • Patent number: 7827836
    Abstract: A power-release door lock system for an automotive door having a latch, including a ratchet (18) and pawl (20), and an electro-mechanical exterior latch release mechanism (220) for actuating the pawl to release the ratchet. The system includes a controller (210) and a pressure sensitive switch (216) mounted to an outside door handle (214) of the automotive door and electrically connected to the controller. The controller is programmed to disable the pressure sensitive switch in response to a predetermined “lock” signal and enable the pressure sensitive switch in response to a pre-determined “unlock” signal, in which case the controller energizes the exterior latch release mechanism to release the ratchet in the event the pressure sensitive switch is actuated. The system eliminates the need for an exterior lock assembly and its attendant inside lock button or rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.
    Inventor: Roman Cetnar
  • Publication number: 20100229611
    Abstract: A motorcycle handlebar lock system (10) includes a control section (16) that executes a process of authenticating information necessary for driving a motorcycle (30), and a switch part (12L, 12R) for initiating the authentication process, the switch part being disposed within a grip (61 or 62) of a handlebar (31) of the motorcycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Konno, Tadashi Onozuka, Yoshiaki Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7673483
    Abstract: This anti-theft device includes a stator (12), a rotor (14) mounted to rotate in the stator (12) between a first extreme angular position known as the “off” position and at least one second angular position, and a member (22) for interrupting the return travel of the rotor (14) from the second position to the “off” position in a position known as the “non-return” position interpolated angularly between the second position and “off” position, the interrupting member (22) being electrically deactivatable. The anti-theft device further includes a mechanical member (32) for deactivating the interrupting member (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventor: Christian Flandrinck
  • Patent number: 7613551
    Abstract: A vehicle remote operation device of optimized fail-safe function is disclosed that directs a vehicle to execute operations in response to a remote operation request made by a user of the vehicle. The vehicle remote operation device has a fail-safe control unit that changes a fail-safe criterion in execution of the remote operation according to a distance between the user and the vehicle. Preferably, the fail-safe criterion is moderated when the distance between the user and the vehicle is short. Alternatively, instead of measuring the distance between the user and the vehicle, a Smart Entry System is used to detect a key carried by the user to determine whether the user is near the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushika Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Watanabe, Naoki Taki
  • Patent number: 7603882
    Abstract: An electric door lock assembly including a solenoid having a plunger movable between retracted and extended positions, and a mounting bracket for mounting the solenoid to a door or door frame so that the plunger operatively moves along a vertical axis between the retracted and extended positions. A locking arm or bolt is pivotally connected at a proximal end thereof to the plunger. A connecting arrangement causes rotational and linear pivoting of the arm relative to a horizontal axis as the plunger is moved between the retracted and extended positions such that a distal end of the arm moves between unlocked and locked positions relative to a keeper in the door. This arrangement can include the locking arm having an elongate axial slot in which a fixed pin of the mounting bracket is positioned; the pivot pin defining the horizontal axis. The proximal end of the locking arm is pivotally connected to the bottom end of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Anthony, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. Carbajal, Matthew Rolek
  • Patent number: 7596977
    Abstract: The invention relates to a key housing with an emergency key, having a key head forming a grip part joined to an insert for insertion in an emergency lock in a vehicle when applied and an insert housing with a longitudinal form, for housing the insert when the emergency key is not in use. The emergency key can be separated from the housing if the emergency key is to be used. The key head is fixed to the insert by of a joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventors: Michel Eychenne, Louis Canard
  • Publication number: 20090241617
    Abstract: A door latch device in a motor vehicle comprises an engagement portion including a latch which engages with a striker of a vehicle body. The door latch device comprises an inner lever connected to an inside handle, a lock lever connected to a lock knob on a door inside the vehicle, a subsidiary lever connected to the lock lever, a childproof lock lever, a motor and an actuating member driven by the motor to actuate the childproof lock lever. Childproof locking and a double locking can be carried out by the single motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Mitsui Mining and Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Takahashi, Bryan Farris
  • Patent number: 7564352
    Abstract: A container and contents monitoring system includes a device, a reader, a server, and a software backbone. The device communicates with the reader in order to determine the security of the container to which the device is attached. The reader transmits the information from the device to the server. The sensor senses a distance or an angle value between a door of the container and a frame of the container and the sensed value is then transmitted to the device. The device obtains a baseline value that is related to a calculated mean value. The device also obtains a detection threshold. The device determines if a security condition has occurred based on the sensed value and the detection threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Commerceguard AB
    Inventor: Stig Ekström
  • Patent number: 7553237
    Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a cabinet having a top box mounted on a main body. The top box has a door for allowing user access to an inner area of the top box. A lock assembly in the top box locks/unlocks the door and a release assembly in the main body operates the lock assembly. The lock assembly and the release assembly are configured to automatically engage one another when the top box is mounted on the main body. Thus, no manual connection is needed between the two assemblies and the lock assembly may be preinstalled independently of the release assembly. Moreover, any suitable top box design may be used with the lock assembly, and any suitable main body design may be used with the release assembly. This allows the top box to be selected much later in an assembly process than previously possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Frank E. Rodriguez, Gregory J. Tastad
  • Patent number: 7520152
    Abstract: A door lock device includes a lock having a deadbolt with a first end and a second end. The second end is structured to disengage from an object, such as a portion of a door frame, in a first position and to engage the object in a second position. A spring directly engages and biases the first end of the deadbolt toward the second position thereof. A solenoid includes a plunger structured to engage the deadbolt, in order to hold the deadbolt in the first position thereof. A sensor is structured to sense at least one of the first and second positions of the deadbolt. A wireless controller is structured to receive a wireless signal and responsively energize the solenoid, in order to disengage the plunger of the solenoid from the deadbolt and release the deadbolt to the second position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Russ C. Sabo, John J. Crowley, III
  • Patent number: 7516632
    Abstract: A remotely controlled lock apparatus is attached to a container, such as a tool box, that includes a container lid portion and a container body portion. The apparatus includes a manual key-operated cylinder connected to a wall of the container. A manually-operated lock latch assembly is supported by a wall of the container and includes a pivoted manually-operated lock latch member which includes a latch-to-container locking portion and a blocking-member abutment portion. A remotely controlled electrically powered linear mechanism assembly is connected to a wall of the container, and a dual latch control unit, is connected between the electrically powered linear mechanism assembly and the manually-operated lock latch assembly and between the manual key-operated cylinder and the manually-operated lock latch assembly, for selectively controlling locking and unlocking of the lock latch assembly by the electrically powered linear mechanism assembly or by the manual key-operated cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: James W. Poppell
  • Patent number: 7484391
    Abstract: A door lock system for enclosures is provided which includes a screw drive mechanism releasably mounted on a back plate member and coupled via threads to a threaded locking member to linearly drive the locking member to engage with a receptor on an enclosure frame to lock the enclosure. A controller unit has an integrated circuit configured to control the operation of the screw drive mechanism and report the status of the door to a central location. A position switch is used to indicate whether the door is open or closed so that the controller unit can automatically engage the screw drive mechanism to lock the door after a preset time delay. A keypad allows a user to enter a code to unlock the door. A radio in the controller unit permits wireless communication to report status and to allow central command control over the doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Gregory B. Moore
  • Publication number: 20090027197
    Abstract: A security system is for monitoring a door movably disposed within a frame. A lock is adjustable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration and a lock sensor is configured to generate a signal when the lock adjusts to the unlocked configuration. A door sensor is configured to generate a signal when the door displaces with respect to the frame and an alarm device is configured to provide an alarm. Further, a control is coupleable with the lock and door sensors and is switchable between armed and disarmed modes. The control is configured to operate in the armed mode such that the control activates the alarm when the control receives the door sensor signal prior to a receipt of the lock sensor signal. Alternatively, the control switches to the disarmed mode when the control receives the lock sensor signal prior to a receipt of the door sensor signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: George Frolov
  • Patent number: 7481471
    Abstract: A child safety barrier with a door secured in a U-shaped frame has a locking device which cannot be operated by children. The locking device has an activation unit which, when receiving a signal from a signal generator, releases the locking device so that the door may be opened or closed, which, in one embodiment, must take place within 2-4 seconds of the point of time when the signal generator is activated. The activation device may be formed by a mechanical activation mechanism, while the signal generator may be a push-button, an electric voltage or a remote control using a connection of the type IR, Bluetooth or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the activation device is connected with a push/pull rod whose one end is connected with a relay, while its other end is connected with a movable post extending inside a column in the U-shaped frame to which the door is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Baby Dan A/S
    Inventors: Jesper Andersen, Robert James Hicks
  • Publication number: 20080196458
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a keyholeless lock device, which comprises a lock casing, a motor, an induction antenna, a circuit board, a control chip, a lock handle and a latch bolt. When the user is inside door, he may rotate the lock handle to open the door. When the user is outside the door, he has to use an induction key to open the door. The induction key can send out encryption information to the induction antenna, and the control chip uses a decryption procedure to judge whether the induction key is authentic. If the induction key is authentic, the motor will retract the latch bolt into the lock casing. When there is a power failure, the induction key will be inserted into the lock casing and function as the power source of the induction antenna, the circuit board and the control chip. As the keyholeless lock device of the present invention abolishes the traditional keyhole and lock cylinder, thieves are unlikely to burglar with their lock-picking skill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Chi Feng LU
  • Publication number: 20080178648
    Abstract: A device for hands-free access to a vehicle (V) includes a portable remote control unit (1) and a central processing unit (2) installed in the vehicle, each integrating transmission element (1a, 3) making it possible to implement procedures for authorizing access to the vehicle (V), and a switch (8-11) integrated into the handle (P) of at least one door and designed to switch from a passive to an active state when a user makes access to the handle. The central processing unit (2) is programmed to control the supply of an actuator (13) for unlocking the door immediately after validation of an access authorization procedure, and the switch (8-11) is electrically integrated into the circuit (6) for supplying this actuator (13) so as to keep this supply circuit open in the passive state of the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE
    Inventors: Luc Jansseune, Alain Brillon, Benoit Depont
  • Patent number: 7333015
    Abstract: A container and contents monitoring system includes a device, a reader, a server, and a software backbone. The device communicates with the reader in order to determine the security of the container to which the device is attached. The reader transmits the information from the device to the server. The sensor senses a distance or an angle value between a door of the container and a frame of the container and the sensed value is then transmitted to the device. The device obtains a baseline value that is related to a calculated mean value. The device also obtains a detection threshold. The device determines if a security condition has occurred based on the sensed value and the detection threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: CommerceGuard AB
    Inventor: Stig Ekström
  • Publication number: 20080011032
    Abstract: A door lock interface system includes a stationary controller that is mounted to a support surface at an interior of a building. A portable controller is in wireless communication with the stationary controller. An elongated and rectilinear bolt is positioned through a slot of a door and is spaced from the stationary and portable controllers. A mechanism is included for automatically retracting and extending the bolt along a parallel and horizontal path. A mechanism is included for bypassing the automatic retracting and extending mechanism such that the user can manually retract and extend the bolt. A security panel is affixed to one side of the door and covers one door cavity, prohibiting unauthorized access thereto. The security panel is provided with annular openings, allowing a door handle and a deadbolt housing to be connected to the door while maintaining the automatic extending and retracting mechanism hidden from the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: John K. Groff
  • Patent number: 7296447
    Abstract: A wireless lock assembly includes a latch assembly that includes a wireless, electrically operated latching component, and a manually movable latching component. The wireless, electrically operated latching component is movable between activated and inactivated positions. The electrically operated latching component will remain in the activated position for a predetermined period of time, after which it will return to the inactivated position. The lock assembly also includes a handle assembly that is manually movable from a non-enabled position into an enabled position when the electrically operated latching component is moved to its activated position. When the handle assembly is in its enabled position, it can be manually moved so as to move the manually movable latching component from a locking condition to a releasing condition. The handle assembly can be manually moved from its non-enabled position to its enabled position by manual engagement and depression of an exposed surface portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: William L. Priest, Stephen A. Peterson, Aaron McKibben