Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, an electronic key, including: a housing; unlocking apparatus extending from the housing, insertable in an electronic lock to unlock the electronic lock; and optical indicia reading apparatus disposed in the housing to read optical indicia. In another preferred embodiment, a lock system, including: at least two electronic cylinder locks; and a single electronic controller to which the at least two electronic cylinder locks are operatively attached, the electronic controller being adapted to monitor usage of the at least two electronic cylinder locks.

Abstract: An external actuating mechanism for vehicle doors in doors, hoods, lids or the like, wherein the mechanism includes a handle for opening the door, a locking unit for activating and deactivating the lock, and at least one electrical light source for temporarily illuminating a field of operation of the mechanism. An electrically operated sensor is mounted in the interior of the handle and is connected to the current supply of the vehicle. When an authorized person who is in the possession of a data carrier approaches, the sensor releases a data communication with the data carrier and deactivates the lock after a successful data comparison. A bore in the handle serves as housing for receiving the light source. The light source is connected to the electrical supply lines of the sensor arranged in the interior of the handle. The electronic system of the sensor serves for switching on the light source.

Abstract: A lockout apparatus for a number of expansion slots in a printed circuit board includes a lockout mechanism for the expansion slots. Each lockout mechanism includes a lockout member movable between a first position in which its respective expansion slot is blocked, and a second position in which its respective expansion slot is open. Only a single expansion slot is available for use at any one time. In another embodiment, add-on card installed into expansion slots may be retained in the expansion slot when the next expansion slot is filled.

Abstract: An electronic lock comprises a control structure having a threaded sleeve which is fitted into an actuating ring and an insertion seat. The actuating ring is provided with an outer projection having a retaining slot. The outer projection is received in the insertion slide slot of the insertion seat. The threaded sleeve is fastened with an inner sleeve seat in which a motor is mounted. The motor has a threaded shaft which is engaged with the threaded sleeve. The inner sleeve seat is fastened with the external side of a door such that the insertion slot of the insertion seat is fitted over the lock core. The inner sleeve seat is fitted into an outer sleeve seat having a plurality of retaining teeth.

Abstract: A door access control assembly (10, 12) is provided for mounting on a door (11) or on a cabinet provided with a door, the control assembly comprising a self-contained access control unit (10), and a circuit board housing (12) adapted to be mounted on a planar surface of the door or cabinet wall. A printed circuit board (PCB) is mounted within the circuit board housing (12), and circuitry of the printed circuit board is configured to provide an output signal to a door lock release mechanism in response to suitable release signals generated by the access control unit. The self-contained access control unit (10) takes the form of an activation module comprising a module housing, and release signal generating circuitry housed within the module housing. The activation module has an electrical plug and socket connection (14) with the printed circuit board (PCB).

Abstract: A lock which incorporates a digital programmable microprocessing interface capable of user-programming whereby a programmed combination opens the lock. According to one embodiment of the lock, there can be as many as approximately 10×106 possible different combinations which may be entered by the user. The operation of the lock is driven by an electric signal derived from the combination, and that electrical signal is sent to a motor assembly inside the lock body in response to which there is a disengagement of a set of locking balls from a locking bar, which with the assistance of a springing mechanism causes the locking device to open automatically.

Abstract: A plurality of doors in a structure, wherein each door comprises a locking apparatus and an access arrangement. The access arrangement comprises a housing unit and a plurality of alternatively interchangeable inserts configured to be inserted into said housing unit. The inserts are also configured to permit access through a corresponding door. The inserts are designed to have different access configurations, such as a cylinder lock or an electronic code lock. Differently configured inserts can be interchangeably inserted into the housing to change the access configuration at a corresponding door without having to change the housing.

Abstract: A motorized security locking system which is intended to be placed on the door of a high security enclosure and whose operation is reliable and more compact. The motorized security locking system includes: a case (1); a sliding bolt (3) movable in translation between an “in” position and an “out” position, and including a front end face (37), a back end face (39), two lateral faces (41), first (43) and second (45) longitudinal faces; and a controller (5) for controlling the movement of the sliding bolt, and including a motor (21), an actuator for actuating the motor, and a cam and a lever (25, 27), for connecting the motor to the sliding bolt, to transmit the drive force from the motor (21) to the sliding bolt (3) and to assure the movement thereof. The motor (21) is a motor with a single rotational direction.

Abstract: A locking assembly is provided for a pivotally openable window or door security grille (14, 82) of a building. To unlock the security grille (14, 82), a user operates an electric punch key pad (52) to cause a solenoid rod (168) to disengage a depression (182) and the operates a handle (54) to cause an actuator support bracket (100) to pivot in a forward direction from a first reference location to a second reference location against the influence of a coil spring (132), whereby a catch surface (130) no longer engages against a shaft member (26) which is free to leave a lockable location and allow the security grille (14, 82) to be pivoted to an opened position, and whereafter a slidable pin (152) engages a depression (150) under the influence of a coil spring (156).

Abstract: Public storage lockers are designed particularly for storage of bicycles, such as at a public transportation terminal. In a preferred embodiment the storage lockers are on-demand, lockable by a user who must unlock the locker using the same electronic key and who must unlock the locker before using the key for any other locker. The lockers are visually open, with a secure screen or mesh on the locker door and optionally on walls and top cover. This reveals that the bike locker is occupied and prevents the use of the locker for unauthorized, privacy-requiring activities. The bike enclosure has a floor wheel guide for conveniently loading the bike, and a special door latch mechanism which provides for security by including a latch bar in a fixed frame, while a latch bar lifter, operable to permit door opening when the lock is unlocked, is on the door.

Abstract: A data transmission system (1) suitable for use with an impact transmissive body (4) and including a data transmitting device (6) having a reciprocable impact impeller head (3) for transmitting an encoded series of discrete mechanical impacts to a first surface of the impact transmissive body and a data receiving device (5) having an impact sensitive transducer (2) at a second surface of the impact transmissive body substantially opposite to its first surface for picking up vibrations resultant of the series of impacts.

Abstract: An electronic combination lock handle includes a rotatable spindle which interacts with two bolts to permit locking and release. The position of the handle relative the door indicates whether the combination lock is in a bolted position or unbolted position. A pistol grip handle permits rotation of the spindle when a bolt initiation mechanism which can include a solenoid armature is free of the spindle. An electronic keypad for the combination lock is mounted in the face of the pistol grip handle. The solenoid armature shaft interacts with a rotatable spindle to inhibit or permit rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A locking doorknob which recognizes a fingerprint, in which the detecting sensor of a fingerprint is installed on the spot of the doorknob that a thumb or other fingers are placed naturally as the door is being opened. The location of the detecting sensor of the fingerprint can be changed at the discretion of a user to correspond to such a location. During operation, as soon as a user holds the doorknob, his fingerprint is measured and searched, and if the fingerprint corresponds to a fingerprint previously input, the door is unlocked and the doorknob can be turned to open the door. In this way, fingerprint recognition and opening of the door are performed at the same time.

Abstract: A tool chest with multiple, vertical drawers includes a remotely controlled latching mechanism. A receiver mounted in the cabinet receives a signal from a remote transmitter and initiates operation of a motor to, in turn, drive a linkage which engages or releases a catch on the back side of each drawer.

Abstract: A mechanism for locking and unlocking an electronic safe lock barrel which is provided with a retaining long key and is fastened with a rotary mechanism located on the outside of the safe door. The lock barrel has a portion which is located in the inside of the safe door and is provided with a position confining slide sleeve. The position confining slide sleeve is fastened at the rear end with a motor having a rotary shaft which is engaged with a threaded sleeve capable of displacing back and forth. The threaded sleeve is provided with a retaining slot for retaining the retaining long key of the lock barrel so as to prevent the lock barrel from being turned by the rotary mechanism. The motor is operated by the circuit to enable the threaded sleeve to retain or release the retaining long key of the lock barrel, thereby controlling the locking and the unlocking mechanisms of the electronic lock.

Abstract: An energy coil together with an IR receiver form a mechatronic component of an ignition lock. The component is disposed in a receptacle of the ignition lock such that, with the ignition key inserted the component, it is disposed in close proximity to an energy coil and an IR transmitter of the ignition key and it is aligned with the latter.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the opening of a door that is held in its closed position in a partition by door-blocking. The apparatus comprises a section bar support of length at least substantially equal to the height of the door, and fixed to the door or to the partition in a position such that it has a first end located at one of the top and bottom ends of the door or of the partition. The support is fitted with power supply and with data transmission comprising at least two conductors which extend substantially to said first end so as to be connected to conductors situated in the vicinity of the end of the door or the partition at which said first end is located.

Abstract: A lockable enclosure including a safe, a suitcase, a briefcase, and the like has an interior sized to receive articles and an electronic key assembly actuating a cam mechanism upon entry of a preprogrammed entry code. The cam mechanism has a cam that depresses a release lever of the a latch assembly to a position, wherein the latch assembly disengages from the lockable enclosure to allow a door to swing in an open position so as to enable access to the interior of the lockable enclosure.

Abstract: An electronic lock that can be pre-programmed or trained in the field to recognize ordinary flat metal keys by sensing their shape and comparing to a database is disclosed. The lock can be contained in standard configurations for door locks, communicates with external systems, provides control logic for querying and amending its database of allowed keys and rules, provides controlled access to logs of selected data, allows convenient but protected access to replacement batteries, can have all its electronics in the rotatable plug, can communicate and obtain power from devices in the adjacent door jam, can recognize special series key-blanks, can receive coded information entered using an unknown key that makes it useable, can be operated without a key to gain access with a code, can resist manipulation of the latching mechanism can unlatch with very low power requirements, and provides for integration of almost all mechanism in silicon.

Abstract: A locking mechanism adapted to be placed in locked and unlocked positions. The locking mechanism includes a lock-bolt mounted for movement between locked and unlocked positions and a first engagement element having disengaged and engageable positions. An electric actuator having a movable output drives the first engagement element to the engageable position. A manually operated second engagement element can be engaged with the first engagement element in its engageable position. A lock-bolt drive mechanism is operatively coupled between the lock-bolt and the first engagement element. A slidable element responds to a movement of the manually operated second engagement element and slides linearly between engaged and disengaged positions. The slidable element cooperates with the lock-bolt drive mechanism to enable manual movement of the lock-bolt between the locked and unlocked positions thereof such that the disengaged position of the slidable element corresponds to the locked position of the lock-bolt.

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 keyless locking mechanism is activated by a remote unit which transmits coded signals to an electromechanical door lock device. The electromechanical device components are configured for secure mounting within the void or hollow portions of existing door locking apparatus. A sensor in the outer doorknob receives and forwards the coded signals to a processor which compares them with a predetermined stored signal. If an acceptable comparison is made, the processor generates control signals for the device, which acts solely along the locking axis to enable or disable the door locking assembly. The coded signals include two separate signals which are transmitted in segments interleaved with one another. The first signal includes an entrance code, while the second signal provides information concerning the frequency over which the next segments will be transmitted. The processor uses the second signal information to tune the receiver.

Abstract: An electronic combination lock is disclosed which allows access to a closed or secure location wherein the lock includes a locking mechanism for operating between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. A rotatable cam wheel has a circumferential surface portion defining a slot such that rotation of the cam wheel moves the slot. A movable lever is coupled to the locking mechanism for changing the condition of the locking mechanism from the locked condition to the unlocked condition and is pivotably movable into and out of engagement with the cam wheel. The movable lever engages the cam wheel such that rotation of the cam wheel changes the condition of the locking mechanism. A cantilever and detent on the lever releasably maintain the lever in a position disengaged from the cam wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closing system for doors having an inner rotary knob associated with an inner side which is rotationally fixedly connected to a closing element for the actuation of a latch and an outer rotary knob. The inner rotary knob is rotationally fixedly connected to a sleeve on which the closing element is rotationally fixedly arranged. The outer rotary knob is rotationally fixedly connected to a shaft which extends through the sleeve of the inner rotary knob and is rotationally fixedly connected to a coupling unit arranged in the inner rotary knob. The coupling unit is freely rotatable in a free wheel state relative to the inner rotary knob and rotationally fixedly coupled to the inner rotary knob in a driving state. Moreover, the coupling unit is connected for the changeover between the free wheel state and the driving state to a code input unit arranged in the outer rotary knob via an electrical and/or optical signal path extending through the shaft of the outer knob.

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: The present invention is a remote control lock device that is used with any type of rotating lock typically associated with residential homes, offices, or the like. This device can be a singular unit utilized with a dead bolt mechanism, a key operated lock or a combination of a dead bolt mechanism and key operated lock. The locking device comprises a gear assembly having an adapter coupled to the gear assembly and the conventional lock mechanism. A motor assembly is coupled to the gear assembly. Activation of the motor assembly will cause the rotation of the gear assembly. Rotation of the gear assembly will force the adapter to move, causing the conventional lock mechanism to rotate to a desired position.

Abstract: A stand alone, electronic gate lock is integrally mountable with a barrier, such as a perimeter fence of an airport. The gate lock is configured to be locked and unlocked by an electronic key from key access ports on each of interior and exterior sides of the barrier. An electronic controller of the gate lock stores data associated with each attempted electronic key access of the gate lock, so that a history of access to the gate can be tracked. This enables every access to the gate lock to be tracked, thereby increasing the likelihood that the gate will be maintained in its locked condition at all times other than when opened for authorized access.

Abstract: A dead bolt lock automatically blocks the extended bolt to prevent externally-applied force from thrusting the bolt back into the lock case, and in the event of physical attack the lock responds by prolonging or perpetuating the dead bolt blocking condition. A push-pull lock has a bolt whose motion in both directions is stopped in response to detection of a rise in motor current above a certain level: a cushioning arrangement allows the current-limiting feature to be implemented without risk of damage to the motor, gear teeth or other drive components. A re-locker arrangement includes an angled flange that is part of a motor-supporting bracket; when forcibly pressed, the flange breaks plastic pins to release a spring-biased re-locker wire to block the bolt from being withdrawn, and when the wire is in the dead bolting position an extension of the re-locker wire engages a ridge in the lock's case to prevent the re-locker from being manipulated back to its original position.

Abstract: A cam assembly may be constructed with lock cylinder perforated by a centrally positioned keyway, and having an exposed circumferential surface surrounding the keyway rotatably fitted within a centrally positioned keyhole of a housing, and rotated within the centrally positioned keyhole in response to rotational force applied by a key conformingly corresponding to the lock cylinder through an arc. A cam is positioned within the housing to rotate with the lock cylinder as the key conformingly corresponding to the lock manually applies a rotational force to the lock cylinder rotates through the arc, while a member attached to the cam and eccentrically positioned relative to the keyway, drives the bolt between extended and retracted positions as the lock cylinder rotates through the arc. An electronic circuit containing a memory and a microprocessor, is mounted upon and supported by the cam to rotate with the cam through the arc.

Abstract: A dead bolt lock automatically blocks the extended bolt to prevent externally-applied force from thrusting the bolt back into the lock case, and in the event of physical attack the lock responds by prolonging or perpetuating the dead bolt blocking condition. A push-pull lock has a bolt whose motion in both directions is stopped in response to detection of a rise in motor current above a certain level: a cushioning arrangement allows the current-limiting feature to be implemented without risk of damage to the motor, gear teeth or other drive components. A re-locker arrangement includes an angled flange that is part of a motor-supporting bracket; when forcibly pressed, the flange breaks plastic pins to release a spring-biased re-locker wire to block the bolt from being withdrawn, and when the wire is in the dead bolting position an extension of the re-locker wire engages a ridge in the lock's case to prevent the re-locker from being manipulated back to its original position.

Abstract: An integrated, flexible interrogator-coil circuit provides security for the type of lock opened by a key that transmits a coded signal to an interrogator circuit associated with the lock. When the key is inserted into the lock, a coil in the key is brought into proximity with an energized coil associated with the lock. The resulting current induced in the key's coil causes the key to transmit the coded signal. If the coded signal is recognized by the lock's interrogator circuit, the key opens the lock. The lock coil is an etched metallic spiral on a loop portion of the circuit board and the interrogator circuit components are mounted on a base portion of the circuit board on which is etched a metallic circuit pattern. The integrated interrogator-coil circuit is faster and more economical to manufacture. Because the circuit is on a flexible circuit board, it can be made a part of the lock assembly itself, thus facilitating use of this type of security system.

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.