Operation And Control Patents (Class 70/263)
  • Patent number: 11459800
    Abstract: A merchandise security device is provided. The merchandise security device may include a housing operably coupled with a cable. The cable is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing and to at least partially surround an item of merchandise. The merchandise security device may also include at least one sensor operably engaged with the housing and configured to detect unauthorized movement of the housing relative to the item of merchandise. The merchandise security device may further include a lock mechanism configured to lock the cable about the item of merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Ronaldo Carreon, Christopher J. Fawcett, David N. Berglund, John A. Buchanan, Robert Bisesti
  • Patent number: 11220779
    Abstract: A door-lock for household appliances, comprising a casing (12) having an opening (14) for the insertion of a hook (15) carried by a door of said household appliance, a cam (16) rotatable relative to the casing (12) about a first axis (A) between a retaining position and a release position, wherein in the retaining position said cam (16) is adapted to lock said hook (15) in a closed door position, a locking slider (20) cooperating with said cam (16) and movable between an unlocking position and a locking position, wherein in the locking position the slider (20) locks the cam (16) in the retaining position, a locking pin (28) for locking the locking slider (20) in the locking position, a door sensing slider (32) movable between an open door position and a closed door position, the door sensing slider (32) having an abutment portion (36) including a top surface (38) and an inclined surface (40) and a door sensing pin (46) elastically biased against said abutment portion (36) of the door sensing slider (32), wher
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Bojan Bicic
  • Patent number: 11124915
    Abstract: A door-lock for household appliances, comprising a casing (12) having an opening (14) for the insertion of a hook (15) carried by a door of a household appliance, a cam (16) rotatable between a retaining position and a release position, a locking slider (20) cooperating with said cam (16) and movable between an unlocking position and a locking position, wherein in the locking position the locking slider (20) locks the cam (16) in the retaining position, an electro-magnetic device comprising a housing (70) and a locking pin (28) for locking the locking slider (20) in the locking position, a door sensing slider (32) movable between an open door position and a closed door position, and a hook sensing slider (74) movable between an extracted position and a retracted position, wherein the hook sensing slider (74) has a projection (82) that prevents the movement of the door sensing slider (32) from the open door position towards the closed door position when the hook sensing slider (74) is in the extracted position
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Bojan Bicic
  • Patent number: 10890014
    Abstract: The invention provides a magnetic actuator including at least two magnets. One magnet is a semi hard magnet and the other magnet is a hard magnet. The hard magnet is configured to open or close the magnetic actuator. The semi hard magnet and the hard magnet are placed adjacent to each other. A change in magnetization polarization of the semi hard magnet is configured to push or pull the hard magnet to open or close a digital lock realised with the magnetic actuator. The magnetic actuator of the invention can also be used to realise a valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: AXTUATOR OY
    Inventor: Mika Pukari
  • Patent number: 10008061
    Abstract: Digital certificates are signed by a server's private key and installed at lock controllers that restrict access to physical resources. The server's public key is distributed to lock controllers and to mobile electronic devices operated by users who are given access to the physical resources. Lock-access data is digitally signed by the server's private key and provided to mobile electronic devices to facilitate access. The lock controller validates lock-access data and grants access conditionally based on time, version, and/or identity data provided within lock-access data. The use of certificates reduces the need to rely on a security scheme specific to the network. Lock controllers can also broadcast status notifications, so that updates and log data can be securely communicated with the server using mobile electronic devices as a proxy. The system is highly scalable, as each lock controller need not track the full scope of access permissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Sera4 Ltd.
    Inventors: Jerod Klink, Herb Little
  • Patent number: 9786106
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for granting a visitor access into a premise. The security control method includes determining an identification tag, transmitting the identification tag to the visitor, scanning the identification tag of the visitor, authenticating the identification tag, generating an approving signal upon positive authentication of the identification tag, dispensing an identification token to the visitor upon receiving the approving signal, scanning the identification token of the visitor, and authenticating the identification token to grant the visitor access into the premise. The present invention further provides a security control system for the security control method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: CONCORDE ASIA PTE. LTD.
    Inventor: Swee Kheng Chua
  • Patent number: 9631399
    Abstract: A very small and efficiently compact electronic cam lock has a motor-driven worm drive lock/unlock actuator that moves a blocking pin to block or to allow unlocking rotation of a locking cam of the device. A spring in the actuator provides for the actuator to move to the locking position while the cam is still in the unlocked position, but to spring into the locking position when the cam is moved back to the locking position. The lock housing includes a threaded bore for a mounting machine screw, strategically placed within the limited space of the lock mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Digilock Asia Ltd.
    Inventors: An Zhang, Asil T. Gokcebay
  • Patent number: 9268951
    Abstract: A method and a system transmit data between a technical apparatus which has a reception unit, a transmission unit and a computer unit, an external device which has a reception unit, a transmission unit and a computer unit, and a mobile terminal which has a reception unit, a transmission unit and a memory unit. The method and system allow registered, authenticated users to use the mobile terminal to perform safe reservation or enabling for a technical apparatus, without requiring an online connection and check between the technical apparatus and the external device for the purpose of authorization and authentication of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Nils Oppermann, Tobias Gansen, Peter Lacher
  • Patent number: 9085918
    Abstract: A status indicator system for a vehicle door lock includes a housing defining a cavity therein. The system also includes a cable translatable along a horizontal axis between a first position wherein the lock has an unlocked status, and a second position wherein the lock has a locked status. Further, the system includes a clevis attached to the cable and translatable within the cavity along the horizontal axis as the cable translates between the first and second positions. The system includes an indicator button operatively connected to and translatable within the cavity along a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal axis between an unlocked position wherein the indicator button protrudes from the housing when the cable is disposed in the first position, and a locked position wherein the indicator button is recessed into the cavity when the cable is disposed in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Richard K. Mette
  • Publication number: 20150128667
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a digital opening and closing device for an entrance. The device includes: a housing which includes an outer casing and an inner casing with a door interposed between the inner and outer casings; a password input unit which is provided on the outer casing; a door opening and closing unit which is installed in the housing and conducts the operation of opening or closing the door; a control unit which compares a password input to the password input unit with a preset reference password and controls the door opening and closing unit; an opening button which is provided on the inner casing and is used in automatically opening the door; a manual opening button which prevents the door from being automatically locked when the door is closed; and a power supply supplying drive power to the elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Eunsook LEE, Byungman YOON, Chaehi YOON, Chaeho YOON
  • 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: 20150101370
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a lock cylinder comprising: a plug assembly having a front portion and a back portion; a housing shell within which the plug assembly is rotatably disposed, wherein the housing shell includes a notch; wherein the back portion of the plug assembly comprises: a locking pin that is movably disposed, and wherein the locking pin is configured to prevent a rotation of the plug assembly when the locking pin is engaged in the notch and prevented from retracting by a multi-stable mechanism; and the multi-stable mechanism having at least two stable configurations corresponding to respectively to a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein the multi-stable mechanism can maintain the stable configurations without consuming energy; wherein, at a first stable configuration, the multi-stable mechanism prevents the locking pin from retracting, and, at a second stable configuration, the multi-stable mechanism enables the locking pin to retract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Peter R. Russo, Matthew Patrick Herscovitch
  • Publication number: 20150098630
    Abstract: An iris biometric recognition module includes technology for capturing images of an iris of an eye of a person, whether the person is moving or stationary, and whether the person is located near the iris image capture device or at a distance from the iris image capture device. The iris biometric recognition technology can perform an iris matching procedure for, e.g., authentication or identity verification purposes. The iris biometric recognition module can be incorporated into, for example, a door lock assembly and other access controlled devices, mechanisms, and systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Steven N. Perna, John M. Margicin, Mark A. Clifton, Jongjin Kim, Bobby S. Varma, Stephen J. Piro, Barry E. Mapen, Kevin P. Richards, David Alan Ackerman, Ann-Marie Lanzillotto, David J. Wade, Timothy J. Davis, Michael P. Fleisch, Jitendra J. Bhangley, Glen J. Van Sant, James R. Bergen
  • Publication number: 20150052958
    Abstract: A storage compartment in a vehicle is covered by closing a vehicle door over the storage compartment. The storage compartment may be disposed in an end cap, the door, or part of the door frame. An electronic locking system with mechanical latches, a cinching door system, or an electronic latching system with fully electronic latches may be adapted to include a lock override control. The lock override control may be actuated by a graphic view interface, a portable radio frequency switch, or a telematics controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Pericak, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Kosta Papanikolaou
  • Publication number: 20150033630
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an automatic operation of a power door of a vehicle is presented. An actuation of an interior switch by a user is detected and, upon detecting the actuation of the interior switch, whether at least one door of the vehicle is locked is determined. When the at least one door of the vehicle is locked, whether a vehicle security is set is determined. When the at least one door of the vehicle is locked and the vehicle security is set, the automatic operation of the power door is prohibited. When the at least one door of the vehicle is not locked or the vehicle security is not set, the automatic operation of the power door is permitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Michael D. Oakley, Craig T. Kline, Dean A. Scott, JR., Hideaki Arai, Joseph P. Whinnery, Saeed Namakydoost, Yoshitomo Ihashi, Trevor Scott Whitten, Makoto Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20150013403
    Abstract: A vehicle door open/close operation apparatus is provided in which a design cover can be opened by a manual operation and can close at least part of an opening provided in a door, and a latch release is operated by a latch device due to the operation of an operating member in a state in which the design cover is open, wherein displacement of the design cover from a closed position toward an open position is detected by a detection switch, and a control unit carries out the user authentication in response to detection of displacement of the design cover by the detection switch. This enables the necessity for carrying out an operation of the operating member again to be avoided even if the operating member is operated quickly, thus enabling the door to be opened smoothly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Hiroto Fujiwara, Hiroyuki Kouzuma, Kazuyuki Kuriyama
  • Publication number: 20150007619
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a rack of lockers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a key-facilitation server configured to cooperate with a locker server, and also configured to receive a key-access request. The locker server is associated with a rack of lockers including a first compartment configured to allow storage of secondary equipment, a second compartment having an open locker slot configured to maintain storage of equipment, and a locker divider separating the first compartment from the second compartment. The key-access request is configured to indicate a user request configured to request usage of an access key. The access key is also configured to be usable by the locker server. The locker server is configured to receive a locker-access request. The locker-access request is configured to indicate access of a selected locker is user requested. The locker server is configured to use the access key so as to facilitate secured user access of the selected locker associated with the rack of lockers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Cory Jack Finney, Christian Nitu, Nick Ramsey, Jordan Darrington, Jonathan White, Matt Hoenecke
  • Patent number: 8890651
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a lock-and-key system for an electrical power plant. The system includes a plurality of locks and a smart key. A respective lock is installed with a standardized lock core, and the lock is associated with a lock identifier (ID). The smart key includes a key head that matches the standardized lock core; a lock-ID detector configured to detect the lock ID; a rotation stopper which, when enabled, is configured to prevent rotation of the key head while the key head is inserted into the standardized lock core; and a control module configured to disable the rotation stopper based on the detected lock ID, thereby facilitating the smart key to unlock the lock by rotating the key head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Youtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Shuqiang Jin, Qing Chang, Hongwei Qiao, Lei Ji, Shuiping Liao
  • Publication number: 20140260448
    Abstract: An interconnected locking system in which multiple locks may be interconnected to be locked and/or unlocked in a coordinated manner. In one embodiment, the locking system allows a user to lock or unlock a door with multiple locking points with a single activation of one of the locks, such as when a deadbolt or lever is activated. The multiple locking points communicate together wirelessly, for example, to activate all the locking points as desired or set by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: CHASEN SCOTT BECK, NEDAL AKRAM ALMOMANI, PHIL SZUBA
  • Patent number: 8723641
    Abstract: A system uses a mobile unit to control access to physical spaces with electrical locking devices. An authority means connected to the mobile unit issues authorizing data (AD) access rights, which are sent to an authorization means connected to the authority means, generate a mobile unit alpha-numerical key and send the key and the mobile unit's unique identifier to an operator connected to the authorization means. The operator sends the alpha-numerical key to the mobile unit identified by the unique identifier. An electrical locking device and the mobile unit use an authentication protocol with the alpha-numerical key to authenticate the mobile unit, which, when authenticated, sends the authorizing data (AD) to the electrical locking device. If the authorizing data (AD) comprises an identifier of the electrical locking device, the mobile unit can open the electrical locking device using a communication means in the mobile unit for near field communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Telecred AB
    Inventors: Babak Sadighi, Ling Cao, Ludwig Seitz
  • Publication number: 20140113563
    Abstract: An electronic lock with a wireless module configured to communicate wirelessly using a selected wireless communication protocol. The lock includes a hardware profile selector, such as a plurality of switches, which can be configured to set the wireless protocol used by the wireless module. For example, the hardware profile selector can be adjusted to change the wireless protocol used by the lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: NEDAL ALMOMANI, MICHAEL MARIDAKIS
  • Publication number: 20130226795
    Abstract: A vehicle immobilizing device includes a lock, a user interface, memory configured to store an unlock code, and a processor. The lock has a latch mechanism and the processor controls movement of the latch mechanism from a locked position to an unlocked position so that the immobilizing device can be removed from a vehicle. A person installing the immobilizing device on a vehicle utilizes the user interface to enter and store an unlock code and an identification code in the device memory at the time of installation. Upon payment of an outstanding fine, a vehicle owner is provided with an unlock code. To remove the device from the vehicle the owner utilizes the user interface to enter unlock code and the processor causes the latch mechanism to move to the unlocked position upon determining that the unlock code input via the user interface matches an unlock code stored in the memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Gregory S. Hopper, Peter Kent McCammon, Neal Harris Stern, Elizabeth Wells Shumadine
  • Patent number: 8487740
    Abstract: A vehicle function restriction system for installation in a vehicle. The vehicle includes a master key allowed to activate any function of the vehicle. The system includes a valet key mounted in the vehicle and configured to dismountable from the vehicle to be lent to a person to whom the vehicle is lent. A restriction setting unit sets the vehicle in a restriction state when the valet key is dismounted from the vehicle. The restriction setting unit sets at least one restricted vehicle functions which is not activated by the valet key, in accordance with the person to whom the vehicle is lent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tsuruta, Kenji Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20130174618
    Abstract: A method of operation of a pet door system with a controllable lock and circuitry including a resonant circuit having an antenna and an element to vary the resonant frequency of the circuit according to a setting parameter, a drive circuit for driving the resonant circuit with a drive signal, and a demodulator, the method including a setting-up operation comprising varying the setting parameter while driving the resonant circuit at a first driving frequency, detecting a first value of the setting parameter at which the resonant circuit is substantially in tune while the resonant circuit is driven at the first driving frequency, and storing the first value of the setting parameter. The method further includes a reading operation comprising reading the first value, driving the resonant circuit at the first driving frequency with the setting parameter set to the first value, and attempting to derive data from the demodulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Pet Mate Ltd.
    Inventors: Steve Martin Brooks, David Alan Woodfield, Andrew Keatley
  • Patent number: 8482378
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (10) operable to control access to different physical spaces, each provided with an electrical locking device (121, . . . , 12n), with the aid of a programmable, mobile unit (14). The system (10) comprises an authority means (16) operable to issue access rights connected to the programmable, mobile unit (14) in the form of an authorizing data (AD), which authorizing data (AD) is sent to an authorization means (18) connected to the authority means (16), and operable to generate an alpha-numerical key for the mobile unit (14), and to send the alpha-numerical key and a unique identifier of the mobile unit (14) to an operator (20), which is connected to the authorization means (18). The operator (20) is operable to send the alpha-numerical key to the mobile unit (14) identified by the unique identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Telcred AB
    Inventors: Babak Sadighi, Ling Cao, Ludwig Seitz
  • Patent number: 8468861
    Abstract: An electromechanical lock, its key, and its operation method are disclosed. The method includes: during a first and a second insertion phases of a key, conveying mechanical power to an electric generator by a key follower and enabling mechanically operation of an actuator by the key follower; generating electric power from mechanical power by the electric generator; reading data from an external source; matching the data against a predetermined criterion; and during a removal phase of the key, returning the key follower to a starting position and mechanically resetting the actuator to the locked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: ILOQ Oy
    Inventors: Mika Pukari, Toivo Pääkkönen, Hannu Jokinen, Petteri Karjalainen
  • Patent number: 8436727
    Abstract: Methods and systems for door access and patient monitoring are described. The patient monitoring system includes a door access control system coupled to one or more doors of a facility for monitoring and controlling the access of patients coupled to a patient monitoring device. Whenever a patient coupled to a patient monitoring device comes within a predetermined distance of a particular door the door access control system transmits a first signal encoded with the door location data to the patient monitoring device. The patient monitoring device then transmits a second signal encoded with the door location data and patient identification data of the patient coupled to the monitoring device to the door access control system and a monitoring system that controls the door access and monitoring of patient within the facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventors: James D. Todd, Thomas Hollinger, Christopher F. Fangrow
  • Publication number: 20130024038
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a lock-and-key system for an electrical power plant. The system includes a plurality of locks and a smart key. A respective lock is installed with a standardized lock core, and the lock is associated with a lock identifier (ID). The smart key includes a key head that matches the standardized lock core; a lock-ID detector configured to detect the lock ID; a rotation stopper which, when enabled, is configured to prevent rotation of the key head while the key head is inserted into the standardized lock core; and a control module configured to disable the rotation stopper based on the detected lock ID, thereby facilitating the smart key to unlock the lock by rotating the key head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: YOUTECH, INC.
    Inventors: Shuqiang Jin, Qing Chang, Hongwei Qiao, Lei Ji, Shuiping Liao
  • Publication number: 20120222460
    Abstract: A key for opening multiple axial pin locks has a base member with an indexing element and a number of lock pins, configured to match the keyways of the locks. The key has a microprocessor with access to information on the pin configuration for each lock to be opened, and the lock pins are selectively positioned along the base member to match the configuration of a key for a particular lock in response to the user entering an identification code for that lock. The lock pins can slidably engage recessed tracks in the base member, which serve to direct the lock pins parallel to an axis of the base member. A pin latching mechanism can be provided to secure the lock pins in the desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Peter J. Lessels
  • Publication number: 20120186312
    Abstract: A locking device includes an integrated circuit board specially shaped to fit the locking device and to bring a sensor on the circuit board adjacent to a moving lock component. The circuit board is preferably routed to form a convex shape that matches the locking device and provides printed circuit wiring to connect one or more sensors or other components to an external wiring harness, thereby reducing point-to-point wiring within the lock. Multiple different circuits may be provided on the same circuit board, which are automatically selected by the connectors used on different corresponding wiring harnesses and/or actuators. The design reduces assembly costs and allows rapid electrification of existing mechanical locking devices with minimal modification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: SARGENT MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Scott B. Lowder, Todd C. Zimmer, Jeff P. Tonon
  • Publication number: 20120151976
    Abstract: The invention relates to a security lock control device (1) for an access system (9), which is designed for controlling a security lock, comprising a control panel section (2) via which a user can input a security lock control signal, wherein the control panel section (2) is at least in some areas transparent and/or translucent. The invention further relates to a signaling device by which the control panel section (2) can be backlit with various colours which code the status of the controlled security lock and/or the security lock control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Richard Koether
  • Publication number: 20110316683
    Abstract: An anti theft locking system for the cargo carrying portion of a truck, trailer, shipping container, and/or railcar having at least one access door. The anti theft locking mechanism and associated signal processing means for locking the access door are all located entirely within the cargo carrying portion and cannot be accessed from outside. The locking mechanism can be locked in response to a coded locking signal generated from the exterior of the cargo carrying portion. The locking mechanism can be unlocked in response to a coded unlocking signal generated from a remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Jean Ramy Louis, Milton L. Hultberg, William J. Seeber
  • Publication number: 20110291846
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices that efficiently control the operating state of an electromagnetic lock under power on and power off conditions are presented. A lock component includes a solenoid component (e.g., bi-stable latching solenoid) that holds a lock pin in a locked or unlocked position without using power to hold the lock pin in the desired position, and using power to transition from one position to another position. A sensor component senses when power to the lock component will be lost, and if the lock pin is not in the desired position for the power off condition, the lock pin can be transitioned to the desired position, and if the lock pin is in the desired position for power off condition, the lock component can maintain the lock pin in the desired position, while the lock component is in the power off condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Michael N. Burdenko
  • Publication number: 20110203332
    Abstract: Provided is a door lock apparatus which is adopted in an electronic product to lock or release a door of the door lock apparatus. The door lock apparatus includes a rocker, a rocker supporting member, a door lock main body and a locking unit. The rocker rotates when the hook of the door enters or withdraws from the door lock apparatus, to be coupled with or separated away from the hook. A rocker hinge rod and a position fixing rode positioned in parallel to the rocker hinge rod are integrated into the rocker. The rocker supporting member is hinge-coupled with the rocker hinge rod to rotatably support the rocker, reciprocatingly moves in a direction in which the hook enters or withdraws when the rocker is rotated, and receives an elastic force from a first elastic member in the direction in which the hook enters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Sang-Won SUH, Cheong-Won Choi
  • Patent number: 7973431
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for locking and/or unlocking a door lock, especially in an electric appliance that is provided with a door for closing or opening a work area. Said circuit arrangement comprises an electrically actuated door lock actuator which acts upon a locking member when a current flows through the actuator, said locking member locking or unlocking the door lock. A series connection that is composed of two switching devices is arranged in the triggering circuit of the door lock actuator, said two switching devices being controllable by the control device which emits output signals to actuate the two switching devices once specific triggering signals have been fed to the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Feldmeier
  • Publication number: 20110113838
    Abstract: A locking arrangement comprising: (a) a handle assembly; (b) a primary locking mechanism comprising: (i) a locking bar movable between an extended latching position and a retracted release position, whereby when the locking bar is in the retracted release position the handle assembly is movable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition; and (ii) an actuator means which acts upon the locking bar to move the locking bar between the extended latching position and the retracted release position; (c) a secondary locking mechanism which acts independently upon the locking bar to move the locking bar between the extended latching position and the retracted release position; and (d) at least one biased catch means to releasably retain the locking bar in either the extended latching position or the retracted release position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: David Martin Stuckey
  • Publication number: 20110113837
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device (5, 6) comprising a first locking system (7) equipped with a control handle (12), intended to be actuated by an operator, characterized in that it includes a second locking system (8) connected to the first (7) by linking means (9) designed to actuate the second locking system (8) because of the actuation of the first (7), the first locking system (7) being actuated alternately between a locked state and an unlocked state by movement of the handle (12) over the totality of a defined course, the linking means (9) having sequencing means designed to actuate the second locking system (8), between a locked state and an unlocked state thereof respectively, during the displacement of the handle (12) over only part of the travel of the latter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Pascal-Marie Paul Marcel Soulier, Aurélie De Sorbay
  • Publication number: 20110067460
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a USB memory device includes a cylinder lock, a storage unit, and a control unit. The storage unit is capable of storing data. The control unit prohibits at least part of access to the storage unit from an outside when the cylinder lock is locked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Yasuyuki NIWA, Toyoaki Makino, Koichi Kato, Hongxing Wang, Hiroshi Yoshida
  • 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: 7844823
    Abstract: An interactive system for managing access via a communications network by one or more Device-Users and Database-Users with regard to at least one secured Location and an entry control Device assignable for use in gaining access to the Location by the one or more Device-Users. The system comprises a searchable database configured to store information on at least one of the secured Location, the one or more Device-Users, the one or more Database-Users, or the entry control Device, and Software stored on a readable medium and configured to search the database and report one or more conflicts concerning the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Shield Security Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Scott M. Serani, Leslie S. McMillin, Charles D. Blish, III
  • Publication number: 20100283575
    Abstract: A security device is disclosed to include a processor defined to control operation of the security device. The security device also includes a radio defined in electrical communication with the processor. The security device also includes a location determination device defined in electrical communication with the processor. The processor, radio, and location determination device are defined to operate collaboratively to provide a wireless tracking and communication system. The security device also includes a shackle and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is defined in electrical communication with the processor. The processor is defined to operate the locking mechanism to control locking and unlocking of the shackle based on information obtained through the wireless tracking and communication system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: iControl, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Fred Tubb, Diane Quick, Mark Brinkerhoff, Thomas Geraty
  • Publication number: 20100281933
    Abstract: A system for securing and releasing doors includes at least two electromagnetic latches and a controller. Each of the electromagnetic latches includes a coil configured to be energized by a power signal to create a magnetic field. The controller switches the power signal between the electromagnetic latches so that the power signal is supplied to the electromagnetic latches one at a time. The electromagnetic latches may be electromagnetic door holders, electromagnetic door locks, or any combination of the two.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventor: Mark P. Barrieau
  • Patent number: 7805968
    Abstract: An instruction for establishing a network-wide conference circuit in a telecommunication or IP network is transmitted to a switching computer or server in the network. At least one item of routing information with respect to the subscribers or other parties to the conference circuit is stored. An optimized pattern of connections of the conference circuit is calculated in the switching computer or server on the basis of the routing information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Andreas Krenn
  • Publication number: 20100236306
    Abstract: An electronic lock may include a locking mechanism and a cartridge having a body portion and one or more extension receiving portions that may receive the locking mechanism. The lock may also include a first coil positioned around the cartridge, a core disposed within the cartridge and substantially within the first coil, and a second coil positioned around the cartridge. The second coil may be spaced from the first coil. In addition, a first sliding barrier may be disposed within the cartridge, which barrier may be selectively in communication with the locking mechanism. A control circuit may be included in the lock, which may energize the first and second coils to cause the first sliding barrier to move from a first position magnetically attracted to the core to a second position magnetically attracted to the second coil and thereby allow actuation of the locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: KNOX Associates, dba Knox Company
    Inventors: Dohn J. Trempala, Keith Wolski
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100225440
    Abstract: A lock mechanism for sealing a goods compartment has a housing (10) supporting a shackle (62) movable between open and closed positions to permit hoops on the ends of an elongate sealing member (44) to be connected thereto and then held thereby. The shackle (62) is retained in its closed position by a spying loaded push-button (32) and also by an auxiliary lock (64) including an electric actuator (71) controlled by a control unit (15). The housing (10) has a display device (17, 18, 19) to indicate the lacking condition and sealing of the mechanism and also has a proximity card reader adapted to read information from a presented smartcard, operation of the auxiliary lock (64) being controlled by presentation of an appropriate smartcard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Alan James Maple, Ian Martin Lennard
  • Publication number: 20100218569
    Abstract: An emergency exit door lock system configured to cooperate with a door hinged in a door frame for sensing when a person attempts to open the door, and for allowing the door to open after a subsequent delay. The system comprises an electromagnet affixable to a door frame for electromagnetically attracting an armature resiliently affixed at a variable armature separation distance to an armature mounting device, the device being affixable to the door. A proximity sensor including an analog Hall Effect device is mountable to the frame for detecting movement of the door away from a closed position. A controller, such as a micro-controller, receives a signal from the sensor and causes an alarm as a function of the signal. The signal is indicative of the armature separation distance, the controller being calibrate-able to provide a door alarm signal and door opening signal at any desired value of the armature separation distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Robert C. Hunt, Thomas Edward Roth
  • Publication number: 20100171589
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, the access control system comprises a door with an integrated mechatronic closing mechanism which is equipped with a receiver device. The receiver device is designed to receive and evaluate capacitive-resistive signals that are emitted by a transmitter and are transmitted via a user's body. The closing mechanism opens or does open the door in accordance with a result of said evaluation. In said one embodiment of the invention, the closing mechanism is battery-operated and has no permanent electric connection to an object that is not located on or in the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: KABA AG
    Inventor: Andreas Haberli
  • Publication number: 20100154493
    Abstract: A locking assembly for an electronic device includes a first lock-member and a second lock-member. The first lock-member includes a rotatable locking head. The locking head includes a lock lever, a locking block and an adjusting portion. The locking block and the adjusting portion are fixed at two opposite ends of the lock lever. The second lock-member is fixed to the electronic device and includes a lock core and a guiding block extending from the lock core. The lock core defines a locking groove. The guiding block is rotated together with the lock core between a first position where a longitudinal direction of the locking groove crosses that of the locking block and a second position where the longitudinal direction of the locking groove is approximately parallel to that of the locking block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: XIN YANG, WEI WU
  • Publication number: 20100139340
    Abstract: A system for controlling access to a secure area includes a lock and an electronic access device for controlling access to a secure area. The lock includes pins for locking and unlocking the lock. The access device communicates with the pins for electrically measuring movement of the pins. The access device stores an unlock pin code for the predetermined position of the pins for unlocking the lock. The electronic access device electrically measures pin movement by a key. A control device electrically communicates with the electronic access device for determining when a lock compromising technique has occurred to identify a lock tamper event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Nathan Gerner