Electrical Type (e.g., Solenoid) Patents (Class 70/277)
  • Publication number: 20090229328
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical lock structure comprises a casing, an electric control mechanism and a manual control member. The casing has a base and an accommodating space. The electric control mechanism is disposed within the accommodating space of the casing comprising a clutch gear, a movable assembly, a rotation member and a motor able to drive the clutch gear. The clutch gear has a first side facing the rotation member, a second side opposite to the first side and at least one pushing block disposed at the first side. The movable assembly contacts against the second side of the clutch gear. The rotation member has at least one protrusion that corresponds to the pushing block and able to be pushed to move by the pushing block. The manual control member has a knob and a spindle coupled to the knob, the spindle penetrates the base of the casing and one end of the spindle is coupled to the rotation member of the electric control mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Pin Wu
  • Publication number: 20090229321
    Abstract: The invention provides a lock assembly (10) which has a support base (80) and a bolt (14) movable between an unlocked position, in which the bolt (14) is substantially within the support base in (80) and a locked position in which the bolt (14) extends from the support base (80). The lock assembly (10) also includes locking means (32) to block movement of the bolt (14) in the locked position and actuating means (46) for moving the blocking means (32) to release the bolt (14) from the locked position. The actuating means (46) can comprise electromechanical means, an electro restrictive polymer, piezoelectric material or a material adapted to contract when activated, such as shape memory alloy wire (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Telezygology, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Eccles, Dickory Rudduck, John Freese, Benjamin David Ford, Paul Kudrna, Cary Maguire, David Kazmierz Szczypinski, Michael Kondratuk
  • Publication number: 20090217719
    Abstract: A key mechanism includes a bezel whereon an opening is disposed, a key installed inside the opening, at least one elastic structure connected to the bezel and the key, and a decoration ring sleeved between the bezel and the key and fixed on the bezel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Chia-Hsin Liu
  • Publication number: 20090211316
    Abstract: A time limited restraint device. After a predetermined time, a cutter of the time limited restraint device cuts a restraint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Frank Butler, William G. Rusher, Philip J. Ufkes
  • Publication number: 20090211320
    Abstract: An electromechanical lock structure includes a casing, an electric control mechanism and a manual member. The casing has a base and an accommodating space, the electric control mechanism is disposed within the accommodating space of the casing and has a first control switch, a rotation member corresponding to the first control switch, a drive member coupled to the rotation member, a clutch gear disposed between the rotation member and the drive member and a motor able to drive the clutch gear. The drive member has at least one protrusion, the clutch gear has at least one pushing block corresponding to the protrusion and the pushing block is capable of moving the protrusion. The manual control member has a knob and a spindle coupled to the knob, wherein the spindle penetrates the base of the casing and one end of the spindle is coupled to the rotation member of the electric control mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Wen-Pin Wu
  • Publication number: 20090211319
    Abstract: A cylinder lock insert 10 has a manually operable knob 14 which is used to operate a lock bolt 6 of a rim lock 8 or the like. The knob 14 substantially encloses a lock input means 30 which is preferably a finger or thumb print recognition device. Correct user input causes a controller to engage a solenoid operated clutch 16 which in turn allows torque from the manual turning of knob 14 to be transmitted to the mechanism of the bolt 6. The lock may be rechargeable by means of a solar cell 34 and/or a knob operated dynamo (74 FIG. 4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Scott Alexander McCormack
  • Publication number: 20090178449
    Abstract: A lock body includes a bolt and a follower that is functionally connectable with the bolt to control the position of the bolt, and a driver. The driver is connectable with the follower to convey force turning the driver to the follower. Furthermore, the lock body includes an electric motor to operate as a power source for changing the locking state of the lock body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: ABLOY OY
    Inventor: Juha Raatikainen
  • Publication number: 20090173119
    Abstract: An electromagnetic lock monitoring system for monitoring the strength of a magnetic field in an electromechanical lock which is created when a steel armature plate is closed against an electromagnet. The system utilizes dual Hall Effect devices positioned in such a way that both ends of the electromagnet and both magnetic fields are monitored, and that the resulting monitoring effectively covers the complete contact surface between the electromagnet and the armature plate. Preferably, the Hall Effect devices are disposed in series at the point of maximum flux density within the center element of an E-shaped electromagnetic core, at opposite ends of the core. If the magnetic flux is below a preset limit, a relay also in series drops out, triggering an alarm which may be sonic, electronic, and/or visual, as is known in the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Robert C. Hunt, Jonathan King
  • Publication number: 20090165512
    Abstract: An electronic lock includes a rotatable core movable within an outer body. The rotatable core includes an actuator configured to move a tumbler blocking member into or out of interfering engagement with one or more tumblers. In an unlocked state, the actuator moves the tumbler blocking member so that a movable locking member in the rotatable core that engages the outer body can be moved into the rotatable core. In a locked state, the actuator positions the tumbler blocking member to prevent the one or more tumblers from retracting and thereby retain the locking member in a channel of the outer body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Dirk L. Bellamy
  • Publication number: 20090151410
    Abstract: A motorized lock for a vending machine provides a simple lever mechanism that provides two separate points of engagement between the door and the machine to resist tampering and provide for more even pull in of a gasketed door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Kenyon A. Hapke
  • Patent number: 7543469
    Abstract: An electronic lock includes a mechanism comprising a drive assembly comprising a pinion, a gearwheel including a peripheral flange having openings with a curved edge; a clutch comprising a ring including risers in the openings to engage with the curved edges, a first sleeve in the ring and including a rear projection, a driven member including a groove disengaged from the corresponding projection when the lock is locked, and a first spindle, and a spring put on the first sleeve and urged against the driven member; a second sleeve securely urged against the first sleeve; and a second spindle securely passing the second sleeve into the first sleeve. Turning the pinion will turn the gearwheel, push the risers rearward by sliding along the curved edges, move the ring rearward to fit the projection into the groove, and compress the spring such that turning an outer handle will unlock the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Sun-Castle Global Precision Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Ming Tseng, Tien-Chun Lan
  • Publication number: 20090139287
    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: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Feldmeier
  • Publication number: 20090139286
    Abstract: There is provided a door lock control device in a heating cooker that prevents a door from being accidentally unlocked when the door is locked and a temperature inside the heating cooker is a predetermined temperature or more such as during self-cleaning, and provides safe handling of the heating cooker. Even in general door lock and unlock states, when the temperature inside the cooker is low and a thermal switch 8 of a lock detection and thermal switch portion 6 is closed, the lock detection and thermal switch portion 6 can be energized, and a power supply line 2 can supply power to a drive motor 5 to lock and unlock the door. In the case of self-cleaning or the like, the door is locked and a detection switch 7 is on a door lock side 7a, but the temperature inside the cooker is high and thus the thermal switch 8 is opened, and the power supply line 2 is interrupted. Even if a failure in a driving component occurs, the drive motor 5 is not energized, thereby preventing the door from being unlocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Masamitsu Kishimoto
  • Publication number: 20090113963
    Abstract: In an electronic lock system, a lock includes a lock housing (6) with an integral female USB connector (6), a lock mechanism supported by the lock housing, and a storage supported by the lock housing and operative for storing a first, predetermined electronic image. A key (4) includes a key housing, an imaging system supported by the key hosing and operative for determining a second electronic image of non optical features of a body part in contact with the key, and a male USB connector (1?) supported by the key housing and interfaced with the imaging system for passage of or permitting access to the second electronic image. A computational unit (32) is provided and is operative for comparing the first and second electronic images when the male and female USB connectors are mated and for causing the lock mechanism to move to its open or closed position as a function of the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Alan L. Pocrass
  • Patent number: 7520152
    Abstract: A door lock device includes a lock having a deadbolt with a first end and a second end. The second end is structured to disengage from an object, such as a portion of a door frame, in a first position and to engage the object in a second position. A spring directly engages and biases the first end of the deadbolt toward the second position thereof. A solenoid includes a plunger structured to engage the deadbolt, in order to hold the deadbolt in the first position thereof. A sensor is structured to sense at least one of the first and second positions of the deadbolt. A wireless controller is structured to receive a wireless signal and responsively energize the solenoid, in order to disengage the plunger of the solenoid from the deadbolt and release the deadbolt to the second position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Russ C. Sabo, John J. Crowley, III
  • Publication number: 20090095037
    Abstract: A key alignment system for safety interlock switches uses alignment holes, and alignment pins to compensate for misalignment between a body assembly and a key assembly. The misalignment is often due to normal wear and tear or outright abuse of a gate or other movable member that should be safely interlocked. The key is fixed to a floating plate connected to a mounting plate by a suspension. The alignment pins and holes on or in a fixed alignment assembly and the floating plate can move the floating plate into a position such that the key enters the key hole. Some embodiments incorporate the fixed alignment assembly into the body assembly. The normal function of a keyed safety interlock wherein the key can be caught and held or released is preserved and enhanced by compensating for misalignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Gary W. Eisenhower, JR., Jeffrey S. Hall, Mark A. Mantua
  • Patent number: 7516633
    Abstract: An electric lock includes a manual operation mechanism and an electric control mechanism. The manual operation mechanism includes a rotary knob unit, a first attracting member mounted fixedly to the rotary knob unit, a key-operated lockset, and a lock-connecting rod connected to and rotatable by the rotary knob unit and the key-operated lockset. The electric control mechanism includes a power source unit, a clutch gear driven by the power source unit to rotate in two directions, and a second attracting member mounted fixedly to the clutch gear. When the clutch gear is driven by the power source unit to rotate to align the first and second attracting members with each other, a magnetic attraction force is generated between the first and second attracting members to allow for co-rotation of the rotary knob unit with the clutch gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: EZ Trend Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jing-Chen Chang
  • Patent number: 7518486
    Abstract: A method for locking an electrical device to a location includes installing a location code generating unit into a power network hub servicing a geographic area, generating a location code for the geographic area, at least periodically transmitting the generated location code substantially throughout the geographic area, further including, transmitting the location code substantially throughout the geographic area at a specific frequency, installing at least one frequency filter along at least one boundary of the geographic area for filtering the specific frequency at which the location code is transmitted to prevent transmission of the location code beyond a boundary of the geographic area, receiving the location code from the power network, prompting one or more electronic devices within the geographic area to input the location code, and locking the one or more electronic devices to the location via the location code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gavin D. Beardall, Simon Rowland
  • Publication number: 20090084147
    Abstract: An electric lock device which can be used suitably regardless of an operation mode of a thumb-turn. In the electric lock device, components to be placed at a peripheral part of the thumb-turn are miniaturized by separating a control device and an electric power supply, which require a comparatively large space, from a thumb-turn cover. The electric lock device includes a cover device internally having a motor and a thumb-turn cover, a control device internally having a control part, and a power supply part built-in the control device for supplying power to the control device and the motor. Therefore, the cover device can be more compactified than that of a conventional electric lock device in which the control part and the power supply part are integrally placed with the thumb-turn cover and the motor. The cover device can be attached proximity to a thumb-turn without being protruded from a door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Aiphone Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukitaka Mizutani, Kazuya Yoshida, Toru Ando
  • Publication number: 20090085717
    Abstract: An embodiment of an electronic access control system includes an electronic key, an electronic lock, and an access control administration program. The electronic key can include program code for switching between a lock mode and a computer mode. In some embodiments, the lock mode and computer mode allow for simplified administration and operation of the access control system. Some embodiments of the electronic key include a rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the access control system includes a hybrid power supply system having a rechargeable battery and a generator. In some embodiments, the electronic lock includes a piezoelectric latch. In some embodiments, the electronic key is configured to act as a storage device for a computer system. Some embodiments provide an electronic access control system with a streamlined user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Gregory Paul Kirkjan
  • Publication number: 20090071208
    Abstract: A lock structure includes a lock installed in the two hinged box chambers of a storage container and having a link controllable to move a locking plate between the locking position and the unlocking position, and a fingerprint reader mounted on the outside of one box chamber corresponding to the lock for allowing a user to move the link through a slide thereof to unlock the lock when the link is released from the constraint after the user's fingerprint has been recognized by the fingerprint reader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: WIDE MERIT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jang-Chang Wang
  • Publication number: 20090025438
    Abstract: A lockset includes an electric actuator which is disposed within an inside drive assembly and which has an actuator rod extending axially and movably into an outside drive assembly. The outside drive assembly has an outside sleeve connected to an outside handle and receiving an outside spindle. The outside sleeve has an axial cutout, whereas the outside spindle has an axial notch aligned with the cutout. A clutch element extends transversely from the actuator rod into the cutout and is movable within the cutout toward or away from a cutout bottom for sliding into or away from the notch so that the outside spindle and the outside sleeve are co-rotatable or not co-rotatable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Lan-Kun DON, Chen-Ming LIN
  • Publication number: 20090013736
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic lock. In one embodiment, the electronic lock comprises a body, a barrel having a slot, a pin disposed in the slot, a blocking member disposed in the body to prevent movement of the pin, and an electro-mechanical device. Activation of the electro-mechanical device causes the blocking member to be moved clear of the pin and movement of the barrel causes the pin to be moved out of the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Robert C. Voosen
  • Patent number: 7469564
    Abstract: Described herein is a locking device and method which integrates mechanical components in a hollow metal door frame with electronic access components. The electronic components override the original mechanical components of the lock to create a fail-safe situation in which the original mechanical lock may be disabled. In the preferred embodiment, my upgraded locking device can be re-installed within a hollow door frame, thereby minimizing service costs and doorframe modification costs. The electronically controlled component can be a cam retaining locking bar which contains a roll pin and an open area bordered by two cut sides. The open space eases lock installation with a door by avoiding protruding door structures such as metal tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Barry M. Shaw
  • Publication number: 20080303290
    Abstract: A lock with a swing bolt, comprises: a housing having an opening for a bolt; a cover which is complementary to the housing; a bolt movable between a locked position and an un-locked position through the opening; a controllable locking means to prevent the movement of the bolt to the un-locked position; wherein the locking means including: a block member, which is placed in a first sliding chute formed in the housing with a slidable fit between the block member and the first sliding chute; an actuator assembly having a follower which is placed in a second sliding chute formed in the housings with a slidable fit between the follower and the second sliding chute; one end of the block member being engaged with the bolt in a surface contact, the other end of the block member is engaged with the follower in a surface contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: SHANGHAI BUDDY TECHNOLOGICAL CO., LTD
    Inventor: Mengxiao Yuan
  • Publication number: 20080276672
    Abstract: A lock including a housing having an opening for a locking bolt, a locking bolt movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, an actuator positioned within the housing, and a rotary blocking device that prevents the locking bolt from moving to the unlocked position is disclosed. The lock may optionally include a tamper resistant mechanism that is designed such that attempting to forcibly move the locking bolt from the locked position to the unlocked position while the actuator remains in the locked condition causes the locking bolt to engage the tamper resistant mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: KLAUS W. GARTNER
  • Publication number: 20080271502
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating apparatus for a lock mechanism, in particular of a door or flap of a motor vehicle, in particular of a tractor, having a handle body, in which an actuating device for driving an actuating element for the lock mechanism is mounted in a handle-body end region, a moveable coupling link being provided, with which the actuating device can be brought out of operation, the coupling link being connected driveably to a locking device having a remote-controllable driving device, and the locking device being accommodated in other subregions of the handle body and the driving device being a rotation drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Horst Kutschat
  • Patent number: 7431354
    Abstract: A door lock includes a latch bolt and an auxiliary bolt. A stop member is supported by the auxiliary bolt and is movable relative to the auxiliary bolt between a position in which it prevents a guide element moving to a position providing deadlocking of the latch bolt, while the auxiliary bolt is in a protruding position, and a position in which it allows the guide element to move to a position providing the deadlocking of the latch bolt. The stop member allows the guide element to move to the position providing deadlocking of the latch bolt only in case both the auxiliary bolt and the latch bolt are first moved to retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Abloy Oy
    Inventor: Juha Raatikainen
  • Patent number: 7429066
    Abstract: A body (14) of the electric lock, embedded in a jamb of a fixed frame, contains an electromechanical release device comprising a loading bolt (28) suitable to be retracted in the body (14). A pusher (34) is movable between a retracted position in the body (14) and a forward position in a selvage (26) to expel from the selvage (26) the nose (20) of the lock and release the latter. There are provided elastic means (52) for the pusher (34) to be returned to the forward position. An escapement system (44) is suitable to hold the pusher (34) at the retracted position. A kinematic mechanism (46) interlocks the loading bolt (28) and the escapement system (44) such that, when the loading bolt (28) is caused to retract, the pusher (34) is held at the retracted position by the escapement system (44); when an electromagnet (42) is excited, the escapement system (44) releases the pusher (34), which is snapped to the forward position to expel the nose (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Serrature Meroni S.p.A.
    Inventor: Domenico Sementilli
  • Publication number: 20080222963
    Abstract: A door comprises an identification unit for the identifying of a person or object situated in the vicinity of the door The identification unit provides an unlocking signal when an identification of the person or the object satisfies a predetermined criterion. The door also comprises an electrical lock for the unlocking of the door in response to the unlocking signal. The identification unit and the electrical lock are built into the door, according to the invention, for example, in the form of an insert unit that can be arranged in a cavity of the door from an end side of the door. The door can furthermore contain a communication unit for the sending and receiving of messages and a power supply unit for energizing the identification unit, the electrical lock, and the communication unit. By placing the above-mentioned components in the door, a considerable reduction in installation time can be achieved, since the laying of wiring in the vicinity of the door can be omitted to a substantial degree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Hans Nicolaas Zwart
  • Patent number: 7401483
    Abstract: Residual magnetic locks, brakes, rotation inhibitors, clutches, actuators, and latches. The residual magnetic devices can include a core housing and an armature. The residual magnetic devices can include a coil that receives a magnetization current to create an irreversible residual magnetic force between the core housing and the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Dimig, Gregory J. Organek, Michael G. Feucht
  • Publication number: 20080156052
    Abstract: A combined active sealing system for connecting a panel to a frame of a door/window comprises a plurality of active sealing systems, a seal activation system, and an electronic control system. Each of the plurality of active sealing systems includes an anchor for engaging one of the panel and the frame, and an actuator connected to the anchor and for driving the anchor. In a closed position of the panel relative to the frame, the anchor is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The seal activation system is connected to at least one of the actuators of the plurality of active sealing systems. The electronic control system controls the seal activation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: SPEYER DOOR AND WINDOW, INC.
    Inventors: W. Kip Speyer, Jonathan D. Thielmann, Mark O. Gerwig
  • Publication number: 20080127692
    Abstract: In a safety system for operating at least one electrically operated locking device of a door of a vehicle, electric opening of the locking device is inhibited dependent on sensor values which are related to the driving situation and indicate an impact. In one embodiment, inhibiting of electric opening is limited to doors that are adjacent vehicle occupants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Martin Hahner, Juergen Moczygemba, Kurt Schaible, Eckart Schuler
  • Publication number: 20080127684
    Abstract: A fastening assembly (110) including: an engagement means including latch means (130) and locking means. (132), the engagement means being moveable between a s locking position (see FIG. 9) and an unlocking position (see FIG. 10); first biasing means (136) urging the engagement means towards the locking position; drawing means (1.46) for drawing the engagement means from the locking position to the unlocking position, the drawing means (146) comprising or including material adapted to contract when activated; release means (220, see FIG. 14) for moving the locking means (132) to the 10 unlocking position; second biasing means (222, see FIG. 14) urging the release means (220) towards the locking means (132); and restraining means (224, see FIG. 14) for restraining the release means (220) against the urging of the second biasing means (222).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: TELEZYGOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Dickory Rudduck, Lee David Blattmann
  • Publication number: 20080132100
    Abstract: An access control device (10) has an electronic/electric control unit (19) fed with electrical current via an electrically conductive fastener (28), such as the ones that also function to clamp the outdoor and indoor housings (15, 17) of the device (10) together against the opposed sides of a door (12) or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: KABA IICO CORP.
    Inventor: Clark Edgar Craig
  • Patent number: 7380843
    Abstract: A lock device which includes a bolt actuated by a flexible shape memory element. The memory element can assume an extended or a shortened configuration as a result of heating. A constraining element which includes two points between which an intermediate portion of the shape memory extends is also provided. At least of the two points belongs to a moveable transmission element which moves when the shape memory element extends. As a result, a controlled element is moved from between an operating position and a non-operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: CRF Societa Consortile Per Azioni
    Inventors: Stefano Alacqua, Francesco Butera, Alessandro Zanella, Gianluca Capretti
  • Publication number: 20080121001
    Abstract: A transmission device for a door lock has a solenoid switch, a driven device and a linkage assembly. The solenoid switch has a solenoid core, a guide tube, a sleeve and a clutch cap. The guide tube is mounted in the solenoid core and has a connecting end. The connecting end is formed on one end of the guide tube and protrudes out of the solenoid core. The sleeve is mounted slidably in the solenoid core and around the guide tube and has at least one engaging tab formed on and protruding from the sleeve at one adjacent to the connecting end of the guide tube. The clutch cap is mounted around the connecting end of the guide tube and has at least one engaging notch selectively and detachably engaging respectively with a corresponding engaging tab on the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7377144
    Abstract: A protective device for an electronic lock includes a fixing plate mounted in a casing of an electronic lock and located behind an opening of the casing. The fixing plate includes a through-hole aligned with the opening. A protective cover is mounted to the fixing plate and movable between a shielding position shielding the through-hole of the fixing plate and the opening of the casing and a revealing position not shielding the through-hole of the fixing plate and the opening of the casing. The protective cover is drivable by a motor to move between the shielding position and the revealing position. A keypad is mounted to an outer side of the casing. A motor is activated to drive the protective cover when a pin code is input through the keypad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: I-Tek Metal Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhao-Hong Huang
  • Patent number: 7363788
    Abstract: A latch assembly having at least one control element having a first path of motion in which a ratchet is moved to an unlatched position and a second path of motion in which the ratchet is not so moved, the path of motion taken by the control element dependent upon whether an engagement element is engaged with the control element or disengaged therefrom. Preferably, the control element moves the ratchet by contact with a pawl which itself can be engaged with the ratchet. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control element can be partially or fully actuated through its second path of motion while still being engagable with its engagement element. If already partially or fully actuated through its second path of motion, the engagement element is preferably movable into contact with the control element and can move the control element to its first path of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Dimig, James Edgar
  • Patent number: 7353674
    Abstract: A door lock with controllable handle operation including a bolt (3), a follower (5) for moving the bolt and an operation axis (4), on both ends of which an actuator can be installed for operating the follower (5), whereby force transmission from either side of the lock to the follower (5) is established by means of movable coupling members (10a, 10b), which are controlled by a solenoid arrangement (8, 9) or the like, and in which the follower (5) is provided with two separate torsion units (6a, 6b) installed on the operation axis (4) on different sides of the follower (5) and turnably secured thereto, which units can be connected to force transmission with the follower (5) by utilising said coupling members (10a, 10b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Abloy Oy
    Inventors: Juha Raatikainen, Petri Tirkkonen
  • Patent number: 7350383
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic lock structured to include a first bolt configured with an elastic clasp, an electromagnetic device connected to an input device, a second bolt and a microswitch connected to a security system, all of which are installed interior of a housing of the electronic lock. The elastic clasp is retained by a protruding edge of the housing, thereby disenabling the first bolt from an arbitrary retracting movement that would otherwise render the lock incapable of being unlocked. The input device controls the electromagnetic device to induce the elastic clasp and release a retaining state, and then directly rotating a rotating button causes a retracting movement of the first bolt and unlocking of the electronic lock, which simultaneously disconnects the security system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Ching-Hung Kuo
  • Publication number: 20080028808
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical lock cylinder, comprising a first cylinder half (2), arranged on the outside of the door, with a key passage (8) for a security key (44) and a second cylinder half (3), arranged on the inside of the door, with a rotating knob rotor (4). Tumblers in the first cylinder half (2) are arranged for rotational release by a security key (44). An electronic device (17) is arranged in the rotating knob (24) for control of a locking device (43). The rotating knob (24) forms a unit with the electronic device (17) arranged therein, detachably mounted on an extension (4a) of the rotating knob rotor (4), projecting past the housing (6). The rotating knob rotor (24) may be adjusted for length by means of an exchangeable adapter (18a to 18c).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Ernst Keller
  • Patent number: 7325426
    Abstract: A safe electromagnetic lock including a first bolt provided with an elastic fastener, an elastic slide bolt positioned on an end of the first bolt, an electromagnetic device connected to a computer and a second bolt. The computer controls induction of the elastic fastener by the electromagnetic device, and a key inserted into a first keyhole, or another key inserted into a second keyhole, controls sliding movement of the elastic slide block to push against the elastic fastener, thereby releasing an abutting state and effecting unhindered unlocking of the safe electromagnetic lock. Upon unlocking, a front end of the second bolt extends out from a case, and protruding mount of the second bolt is used to press down on a steel ball, thereby enabling the second bolt to achieve a solid fixation and effectively preventing mistakenly locking and avoiding forgetting to lock the safe electromagnetic lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Ching-Hung Kuo
  • Patent number: 7316141
    Abstract: A mechanism for an electro-mechanical lock. The mechanism comprises a shackle or strike moveable in a bore. A cam is rotatable between a first cam position in which movement of the shackle or strike in the bore is prevented and a second cam position in which movement of the shackle or strike in the bore is not prevented. A blocking pin is moveable between a first pin position in which rotation of the cam is prevented and a second position in which rotation of the cam is not prevented. A solenoid has a plunger having a stable extended position in which movement of the blocking pin is prevented and a stable retracted position in which movement of the blocking pin is not prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: Ilan Goldman
  • Patent number: 7296448
    Abstract: Described herein is a locking device which integrates mechanical components in a hollow metal door frame with electronic access components. The preferred embodiment comprises a magnetic field generating device, an appropriately shaped metal solenoid housing and a cam retaining locking bar attached to a hollow stem. The electronic components override the original mechanical components of the lock to create a fail-safe situation in which the original mechanical lock may be disabled. In the preferred embodiment, my upgraded locking device can be re-installed within a hollow door frame, thereby minimizing service costs and doorframe modification costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Barry M. Shaw
  • Patent number: 7249477
    Abstract: A control assembly configured for a narrow stile door and for interaction with an exit device. The control assembly provides a means to translate user input, such as rotating a lever to operate a centercase. The control includes a slider for sliding movement within a housing between a first position extending a latchbolt of the exit device and a second position withdrawing the latchbolt. The control assembly configuration incorporates a swivel locking latch rotatable into the path of the slider to prevent the slider from moving out of the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: David V. Toloday, Marlin Austin, Loren D. Mueller, Paul D. Bilyeu
  • Patent number: 7237412
    Abstract: A magnetic lock comprises an actuation portion; a positioning seat having a slot at a rear end thereof for receiving the actuation portion and a circuit board; a tongue embedded at the slot at the lower end of the positioning seat and being fixed to the connecting sheet; the tongue being movable within the positioning seat; a retaining seat having a displace unit; a core embedded into the slot of the retaining seat and to combine with the displace unit; thereby the movable post, driving sheet, connecting sheet and tongue being interconnected. The magnetic lock is suitable for doors of various specifications. Furthermore, the magnetic lock has an open mode in power-on state and a close-mode in power-off state. Moreover, a pin serves to achieve the object of function setting modes. The magnetic lock has the functions of a mechanical lock and an electronic lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: SOCA Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Ying Huang
  • Patent number: 7234329
    Abstract: A lock system for releasably maintaining a movable closure element in one of two different positions. The lock system has a latching assembly with a first state and a second, maintaining state. An actuating system has a first actuating assembly that is changeable from a first state into a second state by movement of a part of the first actuating assembly in an operating path. A blocking assembly in a first state allows the first actuating assembly to be changed from the first state into the second state. The blocking assembly in a second state blocks the operating path to prevent the part of the first actuating assembly from moving so as to allow the first actuating assembly from being changed from the first state into the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Tri/Mark Corporation
    Inventors: Ricci L. Mazolf, Martin John Playford
  • Patent number: 7231791
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electric cylinder for actuating a door lock which may be easily attached to the existing door lock to prevent picking completely, and an electric cylinder door lock not having a keyhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Nobuyo Sakai
  • Patent number: 7221272
    Abstract: An electronic lock module consisting of a series of electronic buttons used for entering a lock combination; LEDs for monitoring the status; a piezo-buzzer to provide audio feedback; a microcontroller circuit to process the input; a locking mechanism in the form of a combination cam and latching solenoid to actuate the mechanical interface which actually unlocks the lock; other components such as battery power and miscellaneous hardware round up the main parts. By pressing the buttons in a certain sequence, a code is sent to the microcontroller circuit which interprets it as valid or not in order to trigger or not the unlocking process. The mechanical interface is designed to be compatible with the ILCO mechanical locks so as to replace their current mechanical locking means. Of course, this present invention can be combined with newly created mechanical components so that this present invention can be used both as a retrofit or as a complete standalone lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Hubert Hosselet