Abstract: A vehicle subscribed to an authentication system includes a wireless transceiver; and a controller, configured to responsive to receiving a wireless signal from a device identified as a key fob via the wireless transceiver, obtain history data reflecting time and location of the key fob associated with the vehicle detected via one or more entities subscribed to the authentication system, calculate a sanity value using the history data, such that a distant detection location from the vehicle location at a time before present time results in a lesser sanity value and a nearby detection location from the vehicle location at substantially the same time before the present time results in a greater sanity value, calculate a sanity threshold using at least one of the present time and the vehicle location, and responsive to the sanity value being greater than the sanity threshold, unlock a door of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the state of a hook-keeper unit of an aeronautical structure. The hook-keeper unit is movable between a latched state and in a non-latched state, a mechanical warning element is movable between an exposed state and an unexposed state, and a connecting mechanism comprises a first end coupled to the hook-keeper unit, and a second end coupled to the mechanical warning element. The connecting mechanism is configured to automatically transmit the state of the hook-keeper unit to the mechanical warning element. The hook-keeper unit and the mechanical warning element are coupled between them by the connecting mechanism in an automatic bijective relationship, so that when the hook-keeper unit is in the latched state, the mechanical warning element is automatically in the unexposed state, and when the hook-keeper unit is in the non-latched state, the mechanical warning element is automatically in the exposed state.

Abstract: An actuator assembly is disclosed, which includes a power unit, an actuator powered by the power unit, the power unit being configured to provide a work motion of the actuator, a motion sensor, a timing unit for measuring an immobility time of the actuator, a safety unit for selectively placing the actuator assembly into an operational state and a safety state in which the work motion of the actuator can be prevented, the safety unit being configured to prevent the operational state of the actuator assembly in case the immobility time of the actuator exceeds a predetermined process safety time. The actuator assembly can include an activation unit configured to control the power unit to provide an activation motion of the actuator in case the immobility time exceeds a predetermined activation time.

Abstract: A wall mounting apparatus includes a container defining a mounting hole therein, a lock device received in the container, and a connector engaging with the container and the lock device to assemble the container on a determined position stably. The lock device includes a driver, an electrical connector electrically connecting the driver, and an engaging plate driven by the driver. A recess is defined in the engaging plate. One end of the connector is mounted on the determined position, and the other end thereof extends through the mounting hole and supports the container. The electrical connector is turned off to make the driver drive the engaging plate moving towards the connector to make the connector insert in the recess of the engaging plate and be clasped by the engaging plate.

Abstract: A time-locking container to limit the compulsive overuse of objects and substances, such as but not limited to money, food, alcohol, and tobacco. The container locks until a future date and time of day set by the user. The container informs the user, before it locks, of the duration of locking. If the duration exceeds a user-selectable maximum, the container waits for user confirmation, otherwise it locks after a delay. This feature prevents an accidental prolonged lockout. While the container is locked, the user can extend, but not shorten, the duration of locking. The user can request early access to the contents, while the container is locked, subject to an unlocking delay before access is granted, a relocking delay after which access is denied, and an inhibit delay limiting the frequency of use of the early open feature. The device provides a programmable schedule, and can relock itself after a programmable delay.

Abstract: Provided is a key cylinder for an electronic locking device including a cylinder housing forming an appearance and a cylinder plug installed in the cylinder housing to lock and release the cylinder housing, wherein the cylinder plug includes a lock head including a key insertion hole into which a key head of a publicly known electronic key is removably inserted to a front side, a printed circuit board exchanging power and authentication data from the publicly known electronic key by installing key connection pins in a connection housing installed through the lock head, accessing to the key connection pins and equipping with a microprocessor and EEPROM, a driving motor performing normal rotation and reverse rotation drive in accordance with an input signal of the printed circuit board, a spur gear installed in an axis of the driving motor, a lock pin guider fixed in a rear direction of the cylinder plug, a direction conversion rotary ring rotating in accordance with drive of the driving motor by an internal ge

Abstract: An electromechanical lock and its operation method is disclosed. The method includes: reading data from an external source; matching the data against a predetermined criterion; providing a fulcrum provided that the data matches the predetermined criterion; holding the lock by a locking pin, when engaged, in a locked state, and, when disengaged, in a mechanically openable state; and if the fulcrum is provided, levering mechanical power with the fulcrum to the locking pin to mechanically disengage the locking pin.

Abstract: A mobile tool facility is provided having a container configured to be moved to a plurality of locations. A portal system is positioned in an interior of the container and spaced from a container end allowing access to the portal system. The portal system is operable to control access into and out of the container. A radio frequency shield wall is positioned in the interior of the container and spaced from the portal system allowing access between the portal system and the shield wall. The shield wall is configured to reduce an amount of electromagnetic energy entering the interior of the container. An auxiliary power unit associated with the container is operable to provide power to the portal system. A plurality of items stored in the interior of the container in a controlled space is available to be removed from the container through the portal system by an authorized individual.

Abstract: A housing assembly adapted to fit into a mortised recess in a door is provided for accommodating components of an electronic lock mechanism. The housing assembly comprises a housing including opposed major side walls at least partially defining an opening into the housing. A circuit board comprising electronic circuitry for operating the lock mechanism is disposed in the housing. A bracket for holding batteries is adapted to be disposed in the opening in the housing. The bracket is accessible when the housing is in the mortised recess of the door such that the bracket is movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. In the first position the bracket is in the housing and in the second position the bracket is at least partially outside of the housing such that batteries may be inserted into or removed from the bracket.

Abstract: Disclosed is an easy-to-retrofit, electronically controlled door lock system designed to change or expand functions of a door lock without having to replace the door lock as a whole. The door lock system includes a door lock 100 for locking and unlocking a door in response to an input signal from a key means, the door lock having predetermined inherent functions, and a function expanding device 200 having additional functions other than the predetermined inherent functions of the door lock, the function expanding device being replaceably attached to the door lock.

Abstract: A leverlock system is provided wherein an enclosure can be locked for a specified time period using a simple locking arrangement. The leverlock is intended to be used in conjunction with existing locking systems, and allows a user to restrict entry to anyone, including those who might otherwise be authorized to enter the enclosure, over a specified time period. A timer module is provide which activates a solenoid connected to a locking apparatus is provided, and the timer module controls the activation of the solenoid so that entry into the enclosure is only permitted for a selected interval duration, at a specific time. The leverlock system is also preferably accompanied by an Electrical/Electronic Switching System having a circuit which can be energized or de-energized by using a Random Access Memory—(RAM) Recognition Switching System™.

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.

Abstract: A housing assembly adapted to fit into a mortised recess in a door is provided for accommodating components of an electronic lock mechanism. The housing assembly comprises a housing including opposed major side walls at least partially defining an opening into the housing. A circuit board comprising electronic circuitry for operating the lock mechanism is disposed in the housing. A bracket for holding batteries is adapted to be disposed in the opening in the housing. The bracket is accessible when the housing is in the mortised recess of the door such that the bracket is movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. In the first position the bracket is in the housing and in the second position the bracket is at least partially outside of the housing such that batteries may be inserted into or removed from the bracket.

Abstract: An actuator is provided that uses two lengths of shape memory alloy (SMA)wire to kinematically couple a first and second lever together. The two SMA wires are routed in generally V-shaped paths around a link pin that is coaxial with the first and second levers. By selectively contracting one of the wires, the link pin slides between a locked and an unlocked position. A locking pin extending from the link pin couples the first and second levers together while the link pin is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a trailer door is provided, the apparatus and process includes a locking apparatus having a housing containing an electronic lock responsive to a signal from a remote wireless device such as a cell phone. A pair of opposingly spaced securement members are used to attach the locking apparatus to vertical support members on the exterior of a cargo door. One of the securement members is responsive to the electronic locking mechanism to engage the support member thereby preventing opening of the trailer door.

Abstract: A magnetic lid switch assembly includes a first magnetically actuated electrical switch that has a lever arm movable between a first position wherein the first switch is open and a second position wherein the first switch is closed. A second magnetically actuated electrical switch electrically is connected in series with the first switch. The second switch has a lever arm movable between a first position wherein the second switch is open and a second position wherein the second switch is closed. A first actuator is magnetically coupled to the first switch. The first actuator moves the lever arm of the first switch closing the first switch to enable the first switch to pass an electric current when the first actuator is positioned proximate the first switch. A second actuator is magnetically coupled to the second switch.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave reception device includes: a input reception portion for detecting an input electromagnetic wave transmitted from a transmission terminal at a predetermined timing and receiving the input electromagnetic wave; a lock control portion for unlocking or locking a locking mechanism, according to the input electromagnetic wave received by the input reception portion; and a timing change portion for changing the timing at which the input reception section detects the input electromagnetic wave, according to time zones. This structure provides an electromagnetic wave reception device capable of not affecting the convenience of the user while reducing the power consumption in receiving the input electromagnetic wave transmitted from the transmission terminal (e.g. a remote controller).

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering lock for locking the steering spindle (2) of a motor vehicle steering system comprising a blocking element (5) displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis (3) thereof from a locking to an unlocking position by means of an electromechanical drive (6) and is maintainable in said unlocking position by a spring-loaded securing element (7) in the form of a lever. In order to enable the securing element (7) to maintain the blocking element (5) in the unlocking position thereof in a simple manner even when the electromechanical drive (6) generating the displacement of said blocking element (5) is embodied in the form of a worm drive, a worm gear (10) representing a first control contour (12) is used and a first cam (11) for displacing the blocking element to the unlocking position is mounted on said worm gear.

Abstract: A system monitors the condition of a container. A container security device secures at least one door of the container. The container security device is programmably armed to implement the securing. The container security device is adapted to sense at least one condition of the container, transmit information relative to the at least one sensed condition to a location outside the container, and interpret the at least one sensed condition. A remote arming plug is coupled to the container security device. The remote arming plug has a unique identifier to be communicated to the container security device to initiate an arming sequence of the container security device.

Abstract: An inside door release mechanism for a vehicle comprises first and second inputs arranged to be mounted in a mutually spaced relationship on a door inner face and an output to a latch wherein the mechanism is so constructed and arranged to be capable of causing the latch to be unlatched when both inputs are actuated simultaneously.

Abstract: A signal transfer assembly supplies a signal to unlock a door by controlling a lock of the door. The signal transfer assembly includes a transfer strip assembly in the door frame for receiving a deactuation signal, for passing the deactuation signal to a transfer tip assembly in the door, and for passing the deactuation signal to the lock to unlock the lock.

Abstract: A rocking crib or cradle having a motion inducing mechanism with automatic lock. The motion inducing mechanism imparts a movement to a movable portion of the crib or cradle in relation to a longitudinal base while the lock immobilizes the movable portion in relation to the base. Operation of both the motion inducing mechanism and lock are related to one another with a timer such that the lock automatically immobilizes the movable portion of the crib when the time duration of the motion inducing mechanism is expended. A time delay switch may be connected between the timer and lock to delay operation of the lock for a preset time after the expiration of the time duration of the motion inducing mechanism. A handle may be connected to the lock to manually operate the lock to immobilize or free the movable portion of the crib in relation to the longitudinal base, such manual operation energizing or de-energizing the timer and motion inducing device accordingly.

Abstract: A keylock switch and a keylock switch system receive a supply of power from two terminals of the keylock switch, and output key data, affording a small and reasonably-priced keylock switch and keylock switch system, of a drastically expanded field of application of the keylock switch, and improved security in various fields. A keylock switch and a keylock switch system moreover can maintain the function of a conventional lock utilizing metal material. A signal read by read means may be isolated from a power, or a power source, stored in charge storing means to realize both supplying of power and outputting of key data through two terminals. Further, the state inside the keylock switches may be quickly reset to an initial state, to prepare for a next use.

Abstract: With an auxiliary lock operated by a built-in battery, it is desired to prevent the door from being kept locked even if the battery dies. The auxiliary lock body is provided with first and second voltage detecting means for detecting that the voltage of the battery has lowered to predetermined voltages. If the first voltage detecting means detects that the voltage of the battery has dropped to a predetermined voltage, the fact is alarmed. Then, if the second voltage detecting means detects that the voltage of the battery has dropped further, the actuator is activated to open the lock by pushing down the bolt inside the lock surface before the battery dies, thereby preventing the door from being kept locked even if the battery dies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective-door handle for a protective door which is fitted with at least one safety tumbler and is intended for a protective region of a machine, mechanical installation or the like, having a central leg and two side legs which are connected thereto and can be fastened to the protective door, the central leg having a hole which opens into a wiring opening opened to the outer circumference of the central leg, there being inserted into the hole a release element which is intended for unlocking the safety tumbler and whose electric connections are connected in the wiring opening to corresponding supply lines, the wiring opening being plugged with a casting compound.

Abstract: A drive device, in particular a locking device, having an actuating drive for driving a moving element as well as a position detection device for detecting the position of the moving element, in which case the invention provides that the position detection device has a magnet element which is fitted to the moving element, as well as a Hall element which is arranged in the vicinity of the magnet element, in which case the Hall element is integrated in an electronic module.

Abstract: An electronic combination lock having a dial-shape handle with a keypad incorporated therein is disclosed. Rotation of the handle extends or retracts a bolt that closes or opens the lock. The keypad includes indicia that give the user visual cues as to the orientation of the handle, thereby informing the user of the extended or retracted condition of the bolt. A battery pack is used to energize circuitry that recognizes a code entered through the keypad. The circuitry provides a control signal that activates a solenoid to extend or retract a bolt blocking device, which in turn prevents or enables movement of the bolt. A visual indicator warns of a low voltage or power condition in the battery pack. Electrical contacts are provided in the face plate of the handle to connect the circuitry to an external power source in case the battery pack fails.

Abstract: A device for lifting, in particular in the event of a breakdown or failure, the ban on the opening of a conditional opening locking system. This device includes: driving means (MT); a transmission member (28); and a blocking member (PVI) connected to the driving means (MT) by the transmission member (28) and able to be actuated by the driving means (MT) to occupy an active position (P1) in which the blocking member opposes the movement of a bar, and an inactive position (P2) in which the blocking member authorizes the movement thereof, the device including de-activation means (54, 64, 66) provided for freeing the transmission member (28) and authorizing the release of the blocking member (PVI) from the blocking member's active position (P1). The device is applicable in particular to a conditional opening locking system and particularly to a time lock.

Abstract: An improved pressure-actuated door access bar is disclosed which may be located on a door to control access or egress through the door, whereby the door access bar is used to trigger unlocking or opening, or both unlocking and opening, of the door following pressure being exerted on the door access bar by an individual desiring access or egress through the door. Two electromechanical force transducer assemblies having no moving parts are mounted within a rigid base member which may in turn be mounted on a door or in another desired location, and a cover member mounted over the base member exerts pressure on the electromechanical force transducer assemblies when pressure is placed on it. When a given amount of pressure is detected by either or both of the electromechanical force transducer assemblies, the door will be unlocked or opened, or both unlocked and opened.

Abstract: An electronic lock for use with lockers has a recess or contacts for accepting an electronic ID chip as a "key". Upon receiving the current ID chip, the lock shifts a latch to unlocked position, with the latch or mortise being spring-biased. The construction of the electronic lock is modular, easily fitting on nearly all contemporary locker designs, retained by only a few screws preferably in the standard three-hole locker door prep layout. An outer housing on the outside of the locker door has an electrical plug-in connection through the door with an inner housing at the inside of the door, and the housing portions can be changed to opposite hand use. Power input ports preferably are included on the front of the outer housing to power the lock in the event of battery failure, and in addition, an audible beep occurs when batteries are low. An LED indicator can be included for status.

Abstract: An anti-effraction device in particular for automatic dispensers of banknotes and valuables is provided which comprises a casing, a door formed in the casing, and at least one container internal to the casing and adapted to house banknotes and valuables, the anti-effraction device comprising time control members adapted to impose a delay period in the door-opening procedure and detection means adapted to detect the presence of banknotes and valuables in the container and to send the time control members a correction signal substantially depending on the presence of banknotes and valuables, said time control members being at least partly interlocked to said correction signal in a manner adapted to vary the delay period in the presence of the correction signal.

Abstract: A door lock device comprises a latch mechanism, an opening lever connected to door opening handles, a lock lever connected to a door key cylinder and an inside locking button, an anti-theft mechanism being displaceable between an anti-theft position for disabling an unlocking operation of the inside locking button and a canceling position for enabling the unlocking operation of the inside locking button, a motor for displacing the anti-theft mechanism, a controller for controlling the motor, and a sensor for detecting a locking operation of the key cylinder. When the sensor continuously detects the locking operation of the key cylinder during a predetermined period, the controller puts the anti-theft mechanism into the anti-theft position by operating the motor.

Abstract: A programmable time lock includes a microprocessor, which senses the angular position of a key shaft via a sensor/encoder. The microprocessor includes ROM and RAM memory circuits, a timer, and a clock, and it can activate a stepper motor to control the position of a detent pin. The microprocessor is also connected to a display, which has fields for hours, minutes and seconds, as well as for the days of the week, for a cursor for each day, and for a low-power indicator. System time, as well as opening times for the lock may be set and changed simply by turning the key according to predefined routines. A method for operating the lock includes sets of steps for each of several routines: setting real time, setting opening times for each selected day of the week, and specialty routines including adding an intermediate opening time, cancelling the opening time for selected days, adjusting the system time, for example to change to or from daylight savings time, and verifying the version of the time lock in use.

Abstract: A lock device includes a lock body with a lock shell, a key plug received in the lock shell, and an anti-dusting cover assembly secured on a front end of the lock shell. The key plug has a front end which is formed with a recess that has an end wall which is formed with a keyhole. The cover assembly includes a cover plate with a key slot that is aligned with the keyhole, and an anti-dusting plate mounted pivotally to a rear wall surface of the cover plate. A magnet is mounted on a rear wall surface of the anti-dusting plate. A magnetic conductor is provided on the front end of the key plug in a pivoting direction of the anti-dusting plate. A magnetic reed switch is provided on the lock shell and is normally disposed adjacent to the magnetic conductor. The magnetic reed switch is activated by the magnet via the magnetic conductor when the anti-dusting plate pivots rearwardly to locate the magnet adjacent to the magnetic conductor due to insertion of an article into the keyhole of the key plug.

Abstract: A programmable time lock includes a microprocessor, which senses the angular position of a key shaft via a sensor/encoder. The microprocessor includes ROM and RAM memory circuits, a timer, and a clock, and it can activate a stepper motor to control the position of a detent pin. The microprocessor is also connected to a display, which has fields for hours, minutes and seconds, as well as for the days of the week, for a cursor for each day, and for a low-power indicator. System time, as well as opening times for the lock may be set and changed simply by turning the key according to predefined routines. A method for operating the lock includes sets of steps for each of several routines: setting real time, setting opening times for each selected day of the week, and specialty routines including adding an intermediate opening time, cancelling the opening time for selected days, adjusting the system time, for example to change to or from daylight savings time, and verifying the version of the time lock in use.

Abstract: The device includes at least one sliding bolt in a disengaging mechanism, and at least one movable pin arranged to lock said disengaging mechanism and prevent movement of the bolt. It is mounted in a housing (10) and consists of two identical control modules (11, 12) each having an arm (11a, 12a) which is fast on a lever (13) controlling the movable locking pin (14). Each module is mounted on a base plate (11b, 12b) supporting a mechanical activating device (11c, 12c) and a device for controlling this device and pushing the arm (11a, 12a) by means of a detent pin (11d, 12d). The activating device comprises at least one potential energy storage element while the module comprises a device for arming this element. A programmable electronic timing device and a member coupled thereto are provided for releasing the potential energy at a predetermined time. Each module has an independent power supply from cells or batteries (11e, 12e). A display device (11f, 12f) provides control parameter display.

Abstract: A comprehensive real estate lockbox system is disclosed which provides a variety of operational features. One of these includes a reader key that can retrieve access data from a system lockbox. The reader key is provided with an audible tone generator which can be selectively enabled by the user. The tone generator can be used to download data from the reader key over telephone lines.

Abstract: An improved security system comprising a relay selectably operable to pass electrical power to a protected device, a code plug having a preset combination of possible electrical connections controlling passage of electrical current to actuate said relay, a key carried by an authorized person insertable into said code plug to complete preset combination of connections, and a switch box connected in series between said code plug and said relay having a plurality of multiposition switches each having a plurality of contacts selectably connectable by a person seeking to limit access to said protected device in a manner to define a desired combination to which said switches must be set in order to allow said switch box to pass said current to said relay.

Abstract: Sealable food storage containers having a time actuated locking mechanism to prevent access to food stored except at a predetermined time. The purpose of the invention is to aid dieters, children and compulsive snack or dessert consuming persons by permitting access to a particular stored food only at a predetermined time. This is to prevent between meal snacks or consumption of foods for dietary reasons. The device includes a sealable plastic or other type of food storage container that can be safely used within a refrigerated space and a removable separate time actuated locking mechanism that can be interchanged and used with a variety of food storage containers. The time locking mechanism includes a lid latching mechanism that has an engageable latch that is disengaged at a predetermined time by an electrical current provided to a small motor. The food storage containers include a pouch or separate access chamber that houses the timing mechanism and cooperates with the lid for the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A timer controlled lock operating device for a refrigerator or the like is provided and consists of a plate affixed to the side wall of the refrigerator, a link chain having one end secured to the plate, a housing affixed to the front door of the refrigerator, a shackle extending from within the housing and engaging an opposite end of the link chain, and a mechanism within the housing for opening the shackle at a predetermined period of time so that a person can remove the link chain from the shackle and open the front door of the refrigerator to gain access therein to obtain food.

Abstract: A lock includes a hollow lock body with a plurality of aligned first transverse holes, a cylindrical key plug rotatably disposed inside the lock body and having a plurality of second transverse holes aligned with the first transverse holes, and a plurality of tumbler pins extending into each set of aligned first and second transverse holes. The lock further includes a first control switch actuated by inserting a key into the key plug, a second control switch actuated by rotating the key plug relative to the lock body, and an electrical control circuitry including a first timer circuit connected to the second control switch, a second timer circuit connected to the first control switch, a warning device and an electromagnetic control unit both actuated by the second timer circuit. The first timer circuit disables the second timer circuit for a predetermined time period when the first timer circuit is actuated.

Abstract: An electronic lock system is disclosed in which a key can be assigned a limited lifetime, such as by storing data indicative of an expiration date in a key memory. Whenever the key is used with a lock, the lock first examines this key data and verifies that the key is still timely before performing any operations. After a key's expiration date has passed, it is useless until a new expiration date is stored in its memory. By this arrangement, keys that are lost or stolen soon lose their efficacy and no longer pose a threat to system security. The invention also permits the lock administrator to issue keys with different useful lives, so that, for example, a person who needs a key for only one day can be issued a key that expires the next day. A variety of other operational features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A low current drain timer for bank vaults is easily settable to limit opening of the vault to a predetermined time, irrespective of the time of closing the vault. Three thumb wheels having corresponding indicia are set to designate the elapsed time necessary for reopening. A timer is activated by a reset switch and the manual repositioning of a mechanical latch, which latch permits later closure of a vault door. Either of sequentially operating solenoids at the lapsed time permit opening of the vault door. A backup battery power source renders the timer unaffected by failure of a conventional electrical power source.

Abstract: A delay action time lock having a lock housing in which a spring action bolt is movably connected. A retracting cam is provided for engagement with a bolt retracting lever for retracting a locking end of the bolt in the housing by means of a key inserted in a key cylinder and after an electronic timer has initiated a first preset time delay count. A motor actuated support cam is provided for normally supporting the retracting lever in a disengaged position with the retracting cam. After the preset time delay count, the bolt retracting lever is liberated to be engaged by the retracting cam. After a second preset time delay or upon the actuation of a microwswitch by the retracting lever, the motor actuated support cam is placed to support the retracting lever at its disengaged position so that as soon as the key cylinder is turned back to its initial position, the lock bolt is disengaged.

Abstract: The mechanism comprises a bar (8) slidably mounted in a channel (18) which can be obstructed by a sliding member (11) of an electromechanical latching unit in accordance with a preset time-schedule.The device described enables the time ban to be lifted by means of two pivotal elements (43, 52) that are normally not coupled to one another, one of them being positionable in the path of travel of the bar (8) of the mechanism so as to be actuated thereby when the mechanism is moved in an opening direction. The two pivotal elements are associated with transmission means (50, 57) which are actuated when a breakdown is detected in order to lock the two pivotal elements together. The electromechanical latching unit can then be made inoperative manually by actuating the mechanism of the locking system in an opening direction.

Abstract: A key is provided with a memory in which, without user intervention, it collects data relating to lock operations each time the key interacts with a lock. This data is subsequently downloaded from the key to a computer. In some embodiments, the keys collect data relating not just to their own transactions, but also poll lock memories for the locks' prior transactions as well. By this arrangement, a patchwork collection of redundant data can be developed in the computer, improving data integrity and reducing data latency.

Abstract: An electronic key for an electronic lock system is provided with graphical user interface which can display a plurality of symbols corresponding to a plurality of functions that the key can cause the lock to execute. An operator of the key moves a visual indicia among these symbols to select a desired function. The key then transmits instructions to the lock causing the selected function to be executed.

Abstract: An electronic lock system is provided with a "lockout list" that identifies keys that are to be prevented from opening system locks. Date coded lockout lists are carried in the memories of both the system's locks and keys. When a lock and key engage, the date codes of the lock and key lists are compared to determine which list is that most up-to-date. This list is then transferred into the other unit, overwirting that unit's stale list. Subsequent interactions of either of these units with other locks and keys will further spread the most timely lockout list data. By this arrangement, new lockout lists can be disseminated throughout a lock system simply by loading them into one or more keys. As these keys are used with locks, and those locks used with other keys, the list will spread throughout the system. A variety of other operational features are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic time lock for bank vault doors and the like having a door bolting mechanism including a snubber bar, the time lock including a lock case, an intermediate vertical partition located in said chamber between front and rear walls of the case, the rear wall and intermediate partition having surfaces defining cylindrical guide bores for reciprocating movement of the snubber bar therein. A pair of electric motors are arranged in side-by-side relation on the intermediate partition to drive a blocking member through a pair of drive trains between blocking and release position for blocking the snubber bar against movement to an unlocking position and releasing the snubber bar.

Abstract: A vehicular anti-theft system which combines a mechanical key and an electronic key involving a code light signal. A light emitting element is provided in a casing attached to a base end of the shank of the mechanical key while a light receiving element is provided adjacent to an open end of the key hole so that the conventional action of fitting the key shank into the key hole causes the transmission of a code light signal between these elements. Advantageously, the light emitting element can be additionally equipped with the function of locking and unlocking a vehicle door so that the user can obtain the benefits of both a remote control entry system and a highly effective anti-theft engine start system.