Abstract: A magnetic card-operated lock has a rotatable exposed cover with a peripheral slot into which a magnetic coded operating card can by inserted for unlocking or locking the lock. The cover and principal locking components are mounted to rotate freely about a central axis between a null position and an unlocking position. A positionable weight is mounted to rotate with the cover plate and is radially separated from the axis so as to bias the cover towards various null positions under the action of gravity. There is also a card lock-in mechanism comprising a card lock-in pin that retains a card in the slot while the lock is unlocked, and a card for said lock with hole and dimple projections to retain it when inserted into the slot.

Abstract: The invention generally provides a security storage container for items of recorded media. The device automatically closes and locks when the item of recorded media is inserted into the security storage container. A locking mechanism having dual locking fingers is used to hold the device in the locked configuration. The security storage container may be configured to allow compact discs and DVD jewel boxes and other storage containers to be loaded in a “spine-out” configuration while fully displaying the front cover of the storage container.

Abstract: A magnetic card-operated lock has a rotatable exposed cover with a peripheral slot into which a magnetic coded operating card can be inserted for unlocking or locking the lock. The cover and principal locking components are mounted to rotate freely about a central axis or between a null position and an unlocking position. A positionable weight is mounted to rotate with the cover plate and is radially separated from the axis so as to bias the cover towards various null positions under the action of gravity. There is also a card lock-in mechanism comprising a card lock-in pin that retains a card in the slot while the lock is unlocked, and a card for said lock with hole and dimple projections to retain it when inserted into the slot.

Abstract: A magnetically coded card for use with a lock having a slot into which the card is inserted to operate the lock has an aperture through which a card-impaling lock-in pin of the lock can pass when the card is fully inserted within the slot, thus retaining the card in the slot when the lock is unlocked and releasing the card when the lock is again locked. The card can include at least one dimple projecting therefrom and engaging with the slot upon insertion therein and providing resistance against removal of the card from the slot.

Abstract: A fire hydrant securing arrangement utilizes a magnetic detent to couple an outer body to a center post so that when a wrench with a permanent magnet is mated with the outer body, the magnetic detent connects the outer body to the center post. The center post has an end with a polygonal recess which complements the shape of the hydrant operating nut. The recess is within an insert that has a polygonal periphery engaged by a polygonal inner wall of the center post. The insert is interchangeable with other inserts having recesses of different sizes and configurations so that the securing arrangement is readily acceptable to fire hydrants having different operating nuts of different sizes.

Abstract: A bottle security device includes an inner member, an outer member and a cap member that cooperate to lock the bottle security device on the neck of a bottle. The inner member includes a plurality of fingers that are adapted to fit under the bead on a bottle neck. The cap member and the outer member are connected to form an enclosure therebetween which houses a locking mechanism. The outer sleeve member of the device slides over the inner member and forces the fingers against the bottle neck. Pins are connected to the inner member and extend into the locking mechanism to lock the inner and outer members together when the inner member is inserted in the outer member. A magnetic key is used to separate the two pieces and release the security device from the bottle. The key attracts a portion of the locking mechanism to disengage the mechanism from the pin.

Abstract: In order to provide a connecting means for the releasable connection of a first component and a second component, in particular, for the releasable connection of furniture and machine parts, comprising a first connecting element arranged on the first component and a second connecting element arranged on the second component, wherein the first connecting element and the second connecting element are releasably connected to one another in the connected state of the components and one of the connecting elements comprises a retaining part which interacts with the other one of the connecting elements in a retaining position such that any relative movement of the first connecting element and the second connecting element along a direction of connection is prevented and which allows a relative movement of the first connecting element and the second connecting element along the direction of connection in a release position, which makes a reliable releasable connection of two components with one another possible witho

Abstract: A merchandise container for receiving in particular highly valuable products, comprising a housing and at least one cover, whereby the cover and the housing have an electrically releasable locking system. This locking system can be released via an opening command. The locking system is continually activated and is only deactivated by an opening command during a delay time.

Abstract: A motor vehicle lock for the door of a motor vehicle which can be locked from the outside, preferably with a key and locking cylinder. The lock mechanism includes a force application element which is preferably a cylindrical nut that can be turned around an axis of rotation, and includes a measurement system for detecting the position of the nut. The measurement system can have at least one stationary sensor and at least one measurement element which is dynamically coupled to the nut of the lock and is located in the measurement range of the sensor in order to detect the position of the nut. The measurement element is located directly on the outside cylindrical surface of the nut while at the same time is made as a component which is separate from the nut of the lock.

Abstract: A manipulationproof electromagnet arrangement for operating a switching device, in particular a coupling in an electronic locking cylinder, having an electromagnet which has at least one coil and one armature which can be moved by means of the coil from a rest position in an axial direction to a switching position, with the electromagnet arrangement having magnetic security means which respond to an external magnetic field, which originates from a manipulation location outside the electromagnet arrangement, such that any movement of the armature to the switching position is constrained, wherein the magnetic security means are arranged in a region between that end of the armature which faces the switching position in the rest position, and the manipulation location.

Abstract: A magnetic lock mechanism includes a magnetic lock cylinder for actuating a latch assembly. The magnetic lock cylinder includes a plurality of tumbler sockets radially distributed on an inner surface of the lock sleeve. A plurality of magnet tumblers are coaxially placed in the tumbler sockets respectively. A tubular lock rotor is rotatably and coaxially fitted in an axial rotor hole of the lock sleeve. The lock rotor has a plurality of locking holes radially distributed through a rotor wall thereof. A locker tube, having a plurality of through slots, is fittedly disposed inside an axial through hole of the lock rotor to define a keyway therethrough. A magnetic key includes a round key body and a plurality of magnets provided around the key body corresponding to the axial and radial positions of the magnet tumblers in the magnetic lock cylinder respectively.

Abstract: An article surveillance includes a pair of components that are detachably connected together having a releasably grasping device engaging with an article intended to be protected. The device is coupled between the two components with a selected one of the components having an elongated prong insertably received within the other component and is held thereto by a ball clutch mechanism. The mechanism includes a tapered housing with an internal tapered wall surface enclosing a plug member having at least two balls carried in opposing grooves. The tapered housing and the plug member include a coaxial passageway for insertably receiving the elongated prong from the first component. The plug member is resiliently biased to a first position by an expansion spring causing the balls to bear against the tapered inner wall of the housing, restricting the passageway.

Abstract: A latching system for removably securing a first structure to a second structure. The system includes at least one magnetically permeable latch bar pivotally coupled to the first structure, and a biasing spring that pivots the latch bar to a latched position within a recess in the second structure, thereby securing the first structure to the second structure. Additionally, the system includes an unlatching tool that includes an embedded magnetized bar that generates a magnetic field around the unlatching tool. The unlatching tool can be used to pivot the latch bar to an unlatched position by placing the unlatching tool in close proximity to the latch bar such that the magnetic field exerts a rotational force on the latch bar, thereby pivoting the latch bar to the unlatched position.

Abstract: A locking device for a lock has a bolt movable which is lockable and unlockable, a guide for receiving the bolt in a locked position, a latching device which secures the bolt in the locked position against unlocking, a first electrical switch for monitoring a position of the bolt and a second electrical switch for monitoring a position of the latching device, the first electrical switch with the bolt and the second electrical switch with the latching device being mechanically coupled, and a control unit with which the first and second electrical switches are connectable via a first and a second electrical connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lock cylinder assembly (10) comprising a cylinder housing (12); a cylinder (14); a first electromagnetic coil (48); a first locking member (52); and a key. The cylinder (14) is rotatable in said cylinder housing (12) and the first locking member (52) is urged by a first magnetic field towards a locked position in which rotation of the cylinder (14) is prevented.

Abstract: A magnetic door stop/latch contains a first magnet mounted on or within a door and a second magnet mounted on or within a structure opposing the door, such as a wall, door jamb, door frame or baseboard. When the door is moving towards the opposing structure, the magnetic door stop may used to prevent the door from slamming into the opposing structure by virtue of the repulsive forces of the magnets. The magnetic door stop/latch may be switched from repulsive configuration to an attractive configuration that holds the door in position.

Abstract: A handle for a vehicle door has a control lever hinged to a connecting structure for connection to the door, and a detecting assembly for detecting the presence of a user's hand about to open the door; the detecting assembly having a magnetic aerial, which is housed inside the lever to detect the variation in a magnetic field caused by the user's hand nearing the handle, and is connected by a sliding connection to a circuit carried by the connecting structure and which supplies a presence signal to a control unit for releasing the respective lock upon reading an identification code carried by the user.

Abstract: A safety pin and a magnetic key to actuated, loosen or tighten the pin, which incorporate means to automatically and by magnetic attraction connect a body of a cavity of a head of the pin, formed by a fixed part at an end of a road and by a movable par, by applying the key. The safety head of the pin delimits a totally closed cavity for a body of magnetic material, enable to slide axially while transmitting torque inside the cavity, provided with lateral locking means cooperating with similar means of the body, which is pressed against a bottom of the cavity by a spring supported by an upper base of the movable part, having external torque transmitting locking means for corresponding ones in the key.

Abstract: A lockset keyway cover-up mechanism is composed of a rotor, a retainer, a bushing, magnetic pins and springs adapted with a key, which is provided with an unlocking part containing multiples of magnets, characterized by that the keyway and multiples of pinholes to accommodate the springs and those magnetic pins are directly or with a rotor case cover provided on the front end of the rotor; multiples of insertion holes are provided in recess on the retainer so that the retainer holds against the end of the rotor by means of the bushing and those insertion holes of the retainer are held in position by the insertion of those magnetic pins protruding from the front face of the rotor for the through hole of the retainer to be at a location apart from the keyway, which in turn is covered up.

Abstract: A lock assembly includes a barometric lock cylinder for actuating a latch assembly wherein the barometric lock cylinder including a lock body having an axial rotor hole and a plurality of marble sockets radially distributed on an inner surface of the lock body, a plurality of marbles being coaxially placed in the marble sockets respectively, a tubular compound lock core being rotatably and coaxially fitted in the axial rotor hole of the lock sleeve to define a keyway therethrough, the lock core having a plurality of locking holes radially distributed on an outer circumferential surface of the lock core and a plurality of air channels radially distributed on an inner circumferential surface of the lock core for communicating with the locking holes respectively, and a plurality of resilient elements being coaxially disposed in the marble sockets respectively, and a barometric key including a key handle having a compressible air bag provided therein and a key body having an air conduit longitudinally extended fr

Abstract: A lockset keyway cover-up mechanism is composed of a rotor, a retainer, a bushing, magnetic pins and springs adapted with a key, which is provided with an unlocking part containing multiples of magnets, characterized by that the keyway and multiples of pinholes to accommodate the springs and those magnetic pins are directly or with a rotor case cover provided on the front end of the rotor; multiples of insertion holes are provided in recess on the retainer so that the retainer holds against the end of the rotor by means of the bushing and those insertion holes of the retainer are held in position by the insertion of those magnetic pins protruding from the front face of the rotor for the through hole of the retainer to be at a location apart from the keyway, which in turn is covered up.

Abstract: A monitoring device for a protected area of a machinery installation, the area being accessible through at least one access opening which can be closed off by an element, such as a door, shutter, or the like, which is movable between an open position and a closed position. The monitoring device being arranged adjacent to the movable element and comprising a safety switch having a housing, an evaluation device, a movable element positionable between a closed and an open position, a coded release mechanism located on the movable element, and a read head for reading the coded release mechanism when the movable element is in the closed position. The safety switch being further provided with an actuator bearing a release mechanism, and which, in a locking position in the housing, locks the movable element in its closed position. The housing having a receiving space for the actuator such that the release mechanism is located adjacent to the read head when the actuator is in the locking position in the housing.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for point of sale generated access to remote files. The method relates to a transaction between a merchant, content provider transaction manager and a customer. A point of sale generated activated identification number allows the customer to remotely download a specific file from a content provider. A package adapted for holding a data encoded card and a disk or cartridge is disclosed. The card generally defines a plane and includes a means to encode data. In the preferred embodiment the package has first and second panels, retaining means for securing the card substantially between the first and second panels, wherein a data encoded stripe is not exposed and means for exposing the data encoded strip, while the card is secured between the panels.

Abstract: A motor vehicle lock for the door of a motor vehicle which can be locked from the outside, preferably with a key and locking cylinder. The lock mechanism includes a force application element which is preferably a cylindrical nut that can be turned around an axis of rotation, and includes a measurement system for detecting the position of the nut. The measurement system can have at least one stationary sensor and at least one measurement element which is dynamically coupled to the nut of the lock and is located in the measurement range of the sensor in order to detect the position of the nut. The measurement element is located directly on the outside cylindrical surface of the nut while at the same time is made as a component which is separate from the nut of the lock.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator comprises a body element and an elongated interaction element. One of the elements includes an electromagnet and the other ferromagnetic material or permanent magnet. The elements are arranged with respect to each other so that a rotational motion may be imparted to the interaction element by a magnetic field created by the electromagnet. The interaction element is rotatable between two rotational positions by changing the polarity of energization of the electromagnet. At one rotational position the interaction element is displaceable by an external force applied to one end in a direction along its rotation axis. The interaction element cooperates with the body element in a manner such that they together define the range of axial movement of the interaction element.

Abstract: A magnetic lock mechanism includes a magnetic lock cylinder for actuating a latch assembly. The magnetic lock cylinder includes a plurality of tumbler sockets radially distributed on an inner surface of the lock sleeve. A plurality of magnet tumblers are coaxially placed in the tumbler sockets respectively. A tubular lock rotor is rotatably and coaxially fitted in an axial rotor hole of the lock sleeve. The lock rotor has a plurality of locking holes radially distributed through a rotor wall thereof. A locker tube, having a plurality of through slots, is fittedly disposed inside an axial through hole of the lock rotor to define a keyway therethrough. A magnetic key includes a round key body and a plurality of magnets provided around the key body corresponding to the axial and radial positions of the magnet tumblers in the magnetic lock cylinder respectively.

Abstract: A lock device controlled by both mechanical force and magnetic force, comprising a cylinder having at least a group of mechanical pins and a group of magnetic pins; said group of magnetic pins including a slidable magnetic pin in the pin bore of the plug and a slidable metal pin in the pin bore of the shell; a key that matches with said lock device, when said key is inserted into the plug, a plurality of recesses of key match with the mechanical pins which are disposed in the pin bores of the plug; and a plurality of magnetic balls in the key match with the magnetic pins which are disposed in the pin bores of the plug; when the key is not inserted in plug, the metal pins partially extend into the pin bores of plug and bridge the shear plane between the plug and the shell by the action of a coil spring that locates in the pin bore of the shell; and polarities of the poles of the magnetic balls in the key and the opposite magnetic pins on their neighborhood faces are identical.

Abstract: A bolt assembly for interengaging two relatively movable elements. The assembly comprises a first component (1) which is connected to one element, and a second component (11) which is connected to the other element. The first component (1) includes a bolt (4) displaceable between engaged and disengaged positions, and the second component (11) comprises means for engaging the bolt to interengage the elements to which the components (1, 11) are connected when the first component is in a predetermined position relative to the second component and the bolt (4) is in the engaged position. The first component (1) comprises a magnetically (3) releasable latch mechanism arranged to latch the bolt (4) in the disengaged position, and the second component (11) comprises at least one source of magnetic flux (12) arranged to release the latch when the first component (1) is in the predetermined position relative to the second component (11).

Abstract: In a locking system constituted by a housing, a slider provided in the housing and including magnetic lock pins, and a pair of plates provided in the housing so that a magnetic card key can be inserted between the plates, a lock setting changing unit is configured such that a disc rotatable to change magnetic lock setting is inserted into at least one circular recess portion of a slider, the disc is provided with engagement means for preventing a setting tool from being relieved in the middle of changing the magnetic lock setting, the setting tool is inserted into a center hole of the rotatable disc, and after the disc is rotated by the setting tool so that the magnetic lock setting can be changed into a new magnetic lock setting position, the setting tool is allowed to be relieved from the disc.

Abstract: An electronic lock comprises a magnetic induction mechanism, a clutch mechanism, a lock core mechanism linked with one end of the clutch mechanism, and a rotation mechanism linked with other end of the clutch mechanism. The magnetic induction mechanism is formed of a permeable outer iron piece, a permeable inner iron piece, a permanent magnet located between the outer iron piece and the inner iron piece for generating an auxiliary magnetic field, and an induction coil held by the inner iron piece for generating an induction magnetic field. The clutch mechanism is activated by a combined force of the auxiliary magnetic field and the induction magnetic field.

Abstract: A theft deterrent device has a body portion and an attachment portion. The attachment portion has an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The upper jaw is spaced from the lower jaw so as to define a mouth in which a portion of an article can be inserted. A pin is movably mounted in the upper jaw, at least between a retracted position in which the pin does not substantially extend into the mouth, and an extended position in which the pin extends through the mouth and into the lower jaw. Releasable locking structure is provided to secure the pin in the extended position. The device can be used in combination with electronic article surveillance technology to secure articles against theft, with reduced damage to the articles and with reduced risk to persons handling the tags. A detachment device for use with a theft deterrent device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a signal in response to the actuation of an internal lock mechanism for a door latch to a locked condition of the door latch and for detecting the locked condition when the door is in a closed position with the door latch bolt in the door jamb. Detection apparatus is located in the door jamb and senses the lock signal and in turn can provide a signal locally or to a remote security or surveillance system indicating the locked or unlocked condition of the latch bolt when the door is in the closed position.

Abstract: An integrated keyslot makes it possible to secure a door key immediately after locking a door. Upon leaving the premises and locking the door, the key is deposited in the keyslot. In an embodiment, a chute connects the keyslot to a receptacle on the interior surface of the door, which retains the key until it can be retrieved by the owner. The method and system described herein are believed to be advantageous in providing greater security to premises. As an example, maintenance personnel could be given a key with which they could visit a home to perform repairs. Immediately upon leaving, they would lock the door and deposit the key in the integrated keyslot, thus protecting the owner against loss or theft of the key.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for preventing unauthorized access to a trigger of a firearm comprises a database of PIN numbers associated with a plurality of trigger locks and access tokens, each corresponding trio being represented by a common identification code. At a point of purchase, a consumer receives a two-piece trigger lock secured about the trigger of a purchased firearm as well as an access token. Each token includes a unique number or configuration of ferro-magnetic wires. Each trigger lock includes a magnetic read head which generates voltage pulses when a token is positioned in close proximity thereto. This positioning causes the ferro-magnetic wires to switch magnetic states, thus invoking electromagnetic impulses. If a background check of the firearm purchaser, initiated at the point of purchase, is approved, a central computer coupled to the database and to a computer network displays a personal identification number (PIN).

Abstract: A device for preventing unauthorized use of data carriers, such as credit cards, ATM cards, and flexible discs, including: (i) a casing having at least one pocket having an opening, the pocket adapted to receive at least one card, and (ii) inner workings, disposed within the casing, the inner workings including a magnet affixed to a sliding arm, the sliding arm held in place by the card, such that unauthorized removal of the card through the opening allows the sliding arm to slide such that the magnet deactivates a magnetic strip disposed on the card.

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: In a cylinder lock, one or more tumblers of the rotatable cylinder are subjected to a magnetically operative biassing member.

Abstract: A safety pin and magnetic key to actuate, loosen or tighten the pin, which incorporate means to automatically and by magnetic attraction connect a body of a cavity of a head of the pin, formed by a fixed part of a rod and by a movable part, by applying the key. The safety head of the pin delimits a totally closed cavity for a body of magnetic material, enabled to slide axially inside the cavity, provided with lateral locking means cooperating with means of the body, which is pressed against a bottom of the cavity by a spring supported by an upper base of the movable part, having external blind orifices for eyebolts of the key. The latter incorporates in a tubular body a permanent magnet on its extremity, with eyebolt support for insertion into the blind orifices and applying simultaneously a magnetic force through the support to the base of the movable part. This permits to attract the body of the cavity and to lock the parts of the head in order to apply an actuating torque on the pin.

Abstract: An electromagnetically controllable safety lock includes a locking bar which moves a slider, which is provided with teeth and which carries a blocking plate equipped with a passage pin channel. The blocking plate is coupled via a spring to a control plate, which has an angularly offset passage pin channel. The control plate supports an armature, which can be held by an electromagnet, fixed to the housing when the locking bar is subjected to a control movement. Both channels are aligned with the lock axis during an opening action so that the passage pin has a free path.

Abstract: In a locking system constituted by a housing, a slider provided in the housing and including magnetic lock pins, and a pair of plates provided in the housing so that a magnetic card key can be inserted between the plates, a lock setting changing unit is cunfigured such that a disc rotatable to change magnetic lock setting is inserted into at least one circular recess portion of a slider, the disc is provided with engagement means for preventing a setting tool from being relieved in the middle of changing the magnetic lock setting, the setting tool is inserted into a center hole of the rotatable disc, and after the disc is rotated by the setting tool so that the magnetic lock setting can be changed into a new magnetic lock setting position, the setting tool is allowed to be relieved from the disc.

Abstract: A card key operated locking mechanism has a connecting mechanism for connecting and disconnecting a locking device with a manual operated handle, a controller for controlling the connecting mechanism in accordance with card key insertion or removal, a latch mechanism to allow the connecting mechanism to maintain connection of the locking device with the handle, and a releasing mechanism to release the latch mechanism upon operation of the handle. The card key operated locking mechanism allows a user to rotate the handle one time upon removal of the card key.

Abstract: A lock, especially for a lock installation, having a housing (3) mounted inside a door (2) of a clothing locker or the like, the housing (3) being for a locking bolt (7) which is moveable by a rotary handle (14) projecting outwardly through the door (2), and, the occurrence, after activation of an electronic verification apparatus (21) and subsequent queries regarding the locking entitlement of a transponder (19), of electrical guidance applying to a locking-assist element (26) to release the locking actuation, whereby for activation in the rotary handle (14) which supports an antenna (18) for querying the transponder, there is provided a switch (20) which is sensitive to rotation and/or pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for magnetically activating an output signal from a keyswitch. The rotation of a keyswitch rotates a magnetic device into a first position. A magnetic sensing device detects the magnetic field created by the magnetic device, and transmits a flag signal.

Abstract: The technique for electronically resetting a magnetically sealed solenoid to an unattracted, unactuated position is described for use with solenoids which have either a residual magnetic or a permanent magnet holding force necessary to retain the armature of the solenoid in its actuated position until such time as the armature is either physically displaced by a mechanical force or an electronic signal is applied to the solenoid. This displacement creates a reverse polarity magnetic field, effectively overcoming the magnetic field acting to hold the armature in its actuated position, permitting a small mechanical force to reset the armature. In order to prevent a lock or similar device from being conditioned for opening and possibly left in that condition for a significant period of time while unattended, jeopardizing the security of the container and its contents, the actuation of the armature in the reset or release phase may occur a relatively short time following its actuation.

Abstract: A lock cylinder having a housing (2) and mounted rotatably therein a lock member (4), and having a driving shaft (9) for driving the lock member (4) includes a central element (17) which in turn includes electrical conductors passing right through the driving shaft (9) and the lock member (4) in the form of an operative connection from one side of the cylinder to the other existing independently of operation of the lock member. The central element (17) in the form of a rigid body is connected non-rotatably at each end (17', 17") to a respective unit carrier (12, 18), especially for electronic units. The driving shaft (9) is arranged to be coupled via a coupling (K) with the lock member (4) in a position so that they rotate together.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reduced-encumbrance anti-theft case (1) for compact disks, musicassettes, videocassettes and the like, comprising a containing box (5), a movable abutment member (7, 7') and a locking and unlocking device (11, 11') of the abutment member (7, 7'). The box (5) is comprised of: an upper and a lower face (15, 17) substantially C-shaped; a rear holding wall (19) connected to the two faces (15, 17); and two elongated front holding walls (25, 27) connected to corresponding ends of the two upper and lower faces (15, 17). The abutment member (7, 7') is longitudinally slidingly connected to the lower face (17) and has a C-shape similar thereto. In a closing position, an engagement end (47) of the abutment member (7, 7') and the second holding wall (27) cooperate with the item (3) to prevent its undesired removal from the case (1).

Abstract: There is a lock for a gaming machine or other device. The lock has a plug 3 rotatable in a cylinder 1 between latched and unlatched positions. There are rolling members 9, 9A which at the latched position are radially displaceable within aligned plug and cylinder recesses 10, 11 between an outer locking position wherein said rolling member extends across a shear face 10A separating said plug 3 and cylinder 1 to hold the plug in the latched position and an inner unlocked position wherein the rolling members 9, 9A are substantially within the plug recess 10. There is a plunger movable axially within the plug 3 between a first position wherein the rolling members 9, 9A are retained in the locking position and a second position in which the rolling members 9, 9A are movable inward from the locking position to the unlocked position to allow rotation of the plug 3 from the latched to the unlatched positions.

Abstract: A fire hydrant security system for mounting on a standpipe of a fire hydrant wherein the hydrant has a mounting surface with holes therethrough and a bonnet mounted on the mounting surface, the bonnet surrounding a valve operating spindle assembly. The system includes a security gap which is surrounded by a protective collar spaced from the security cap to define an annular gap. An operating tool having a socket which fits into the gap and surrounds the security cap is used to couple the security cap to the valve operating spindle to open the fire hydrant. The protective collar is preferably made of forged ductile iron and is bolted to the fire hydrant by being bolted to a mounting surface on the standpipe or by being secured by bolts to the bonnet. The security cap is thus protected from blows by sledge hammers wielded by vandals and water thieves.

Abstract: An antitheft case for preventing packed compact discs from being stolen is disclosed. The antitheft case has a base part. A lock part slidably engages with the base part, thus forming a box-shaped and openable body in cooperation with the base part. A lock assembly selectively locks or unlocks the position of the slidable lock part relative to the base part. The antitheft case of this invention has a simple and compact construction, thus allowing manufacturers to easily produce such cases at low cost and allowing disc sellers to easily and effectively lay out the discs for sale within a limited area. The case is also reliably locked, so that it effectively prevents the packed compact discs from being stolen by any unauthorized persons.

Abstract: A lock for an automobile ignition system includes a sleeve having a cylindrical inner surface. A lock cylinder is provided which is rotatably mounted within the sleeve and has a cylindrical outer surface defining a cylindrical interface with the inner surface of the sleeve. The cylinder includes a keyway adapted for receiving a key used to rotate the cylinder between an off and start position. A differential magnetic comparator having a pair of magnetically sensitive areas is mounted on the sleeve for detecting when the cylinder is rotated to the start position to generate an ignition signal. A magnet is mounted to the cylinder interface for generating a magnetic flux and for activating the comparator when the cylinder is rotated to the start position. A difference in the magnetic flux density present on the pair of magnetically sensitive areas causes the comparator to generate the ignition signal.