Key Patents (Class 70/336)
  • Patent number: 9041510
    Abstract: An electronic key may include a partial capacitor comprising a capacitive metal plate in communication with a processor. The capacitive metal plate of the partial capacitor is configured to form a capacitor with a corresponding capacitive metal plate of a lock when brought into proximity with the metal plate of the lock. Data may be transferred from the key to the lock using a capacitor formed by combining the two metal plates, wherein a common ground is established between the metal plate of the key and the metal plate of the lock through a parasitic capacitance present between the key and lock circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: KNOX ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventor: Keith T. Wolski
  • Publication number: 20140260458
    Abstract: Provided is a push-pull door lock capable of selecting a lever work direction which may be installed without needing to coincide a door opening direction with the lever work direction by driving a driving unit during both a push operation and a pull operation of a lever coupled to each of housings of a front surface and a rear surface of a door to unlock a lock mechanism received in the door. The push-pull door lock includes: a lever that is provided on a front surface of each of housings, which are respectively coupled to an inside and an outside of a door by supports, to pivot in a front-and-back direction and has a protruding portion protruding toward a door; and a selection member that is provided on a rear surface of the housing and limits a pivoting range of the protruding portion in order to select a push operation or a pull operation of the lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG SNS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SANG-HAN LEE
  • Publication number: 20140116101
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein can include one or more labels, each label having an indicia receiving surface adapted to receive indicium or indicia. The indicia receiving surface can provide a permanent, durable writing surface. A key for operating a mechanical lock can include one or more labels. The key can include a key main body and at least one label coupled to the key main body. The key main body comprises a head and an elongate body coupled to the head. The elongate body is configured to physically engage and operate a lock, such as a mechanical lock. The label can define an indicia receiving surface adapted to receive indicium or indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Write-On-It! LLC
    Inventors: Brian A. Moore, Bruce B. Bailey, Matthew B. McCutchen
  • Patent number: 8648693
    Abstract: A key slot capable of accommodating an auxiliary key, which is a vehicle key other than a master key. A key lock mechanism locks or unlocks movement of the auxiliary key in the key slot, thereby allowing the auxiliary key to be taken out of the key slot in accordance with a lending condition of the auxiliary key. An invalid key return prevention unit permits the auxiliary key to be returned to the key slot in accordance with a return condition of the auxiliary key. If the return condition is met, the invalid key return prevention unit causes the key lock mechanism to lock the auxiliary key in the key slot. If the return condition is not met, the invalid key return prevention unit does not allow the auxiliary key to be returned to the key slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Hiroshi Tsuruta
  • KD
    Publication number: 20130186154
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to methods and means for opening, securing and/or operating vehicles, residences, locks, locked enclosures, and/or other machines and apparatuses, and for storing, processing, transmitting, receiving and displaying or otherwise outputting data or other information pertaining to vehicles, residences, locks, locked enclosures, and/or other machines and apparatuses, and/or pertaining to items, apparatuses, and/or entities which may be in such vehicles, residences, locked enclosures, and/or other machines and apparatuses. Various embodiments of the methods and means of the invention may be performed by and/or implemented in hardware, in software, by one or more entities, and/or by some combination of hardware, software and/or one or more entities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Alfred M. Haas
  • Patent number: 8305189
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a vehicle apparatus for changing status for a key is provided. The vehicle apparatus comprises a controller. The controller is configured to receive a key identification signal from a first key and to transmit a key status signal indicative of whether the first key is one of a master key and a non-master key based on the key identification signal. The controller is further configured to receive a change request signal corresponding to a request to change status for an additional key from a primary key to a secondary key if the first key is master key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Brian Bennie, Martin J. Sultana
  • Patent number: 8193906
    Abstract: A mechanical key code verification system including a mechanical key and a lock apparatus into which the mechanical key is inserted. The mechanical key includes a key body. A key code pattern formed on the key body includes a plurality of recessed portions and a plurality of non-recessed portions. A wireless communication mechanism is incorporated in the key body which performs wireless communication with a communication device. The wireless communication device including an antenna arranged on the key body. The lock apparatus mechanically verifies the key code pattern of the mechanical key when the mechanical key is inserted therein. The recessed portions of the key code pattern of the mechanical key is located inward from the antenna on the key body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Toshiharu Katagiri, Yoshiyuki Seki, Tamotsu Tsuchida
  • Publication number: 20120125060
    Abstract: A lock mechanism is disclosed, the lock mechanism having a rotary latch configured for rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position, the rotary latch rotating in a first plane and the rotary latch is retained in the locked position after it has been rotated into the locked position from the unlocked position, the rotary latch being spring biased into the unlocked position by a biasing member; and a first lock mechanism for retaining the rotary latch in the locked position after rotation of the rotary latch into the locked position, the rotary latch being capable of being manipulated back into the unlocked position from the locked position after actuation of the first locking mechanism into a release position, wherein actuation of the first lock mechanism is in a second plane that is not parallel to the first plane and wherein the first lock mechanism must be reset in order to subsequently release the rotary latch from the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Gallo, Steve Sanelli
  • Publication number: 20110016933
    Abstract: A swivel lever can be locked in a trough in a swiveled in position and comprises a locking device which is accommodated in the swivel lever and which can be unlocked by way of an access opening in the swivel lever. The access opening can be made inaccessible by means of a cover. The cover can be blocked mechanically, particularly electromechanically, in its covering position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Dieter Ramsauer, Sebastian Koch, Andreas Langenberg
  • Publication number: 20100236298
    Abstract: A high-security enclosure includes a base, a cover and a lock system. The lock system includes a base portion and a cover portion. The lock system base portion includes one or more fixed lock bars. The lock system cover portion includes one or more movable lock bars. Each movable lock bar is generally perpendicular to, and arranged to engage, one of the fixed lock bars. The lock system cover portion further includes a lock bar retraction assembly coupled to the one or more movable lock bars for retracting the movable lock bar(s) substantially simultaneously out of engagement with the fixed lock bar(s). A security drive mechanism is coupled to the lock bar retraction assembly to drive the lock system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Diversified Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent A. James, Aron J. King, Michael R. Cosley
  • Publication number: 20100117822
    Abstract: A tracking device is incorporated into a band, such as a watch band or bracelet. The tracking device appears as an ordinary band, but cannot be removed by the individual wearing it. If necessary, the location of the tracking device can be determined by a central server and reported to the authorities or to the individual's family.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Dequincy A. Hyatt
  • Publication number: 20100064744
    Abstract: A high security lock includes a lock bolt movable between extended and retracted positions, a bolt retraction gear coupled to the lock bolt, and a manually-driven gear train. When a controller verifies that user-input information is correct for unlocking the lock, the bolt retraction gear and manually-driven gear train are operatively coupled such that the gear train can drive the lock bolt from the extended position to the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Lock II, L.L.C.
    Inventors: J. Clayton Miller, Donald P. Cooke, JR., Michael P. Harvey
  • Publication number: 20100039260
    Abstract: A lock having a body, a face, a shackle and an audio and/or a visual system. The audio system includes a speaker system and a controller, and the visual system includes an indicator light and a controller. The systems also employ a battery and a battery indicator light, e.g., an LED, indicating when the battery needs to be replaced. The audio system emits an audible sequence and the visual system emits a light sequence when the lock is unlocked, reminding a user to lock the lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Sanford BOSIN
  • Publication number: 20100031713
    Abstract: An electronic door lock for a door having a first side and a second side. The electronic door lock includes an escutcheon including a first aperture. A non-circular spring cage extends through the first aperture, and the spring cage includes a second aperture. A spring cage spindle at least partially extends through the second aperture, and the spring cage spindle extends from the spring cage and includes a third aperture. A key cylinder is received in the third aperture. A handle including a fourth aperture receives the key cylinder and the spring cage spindle, and a fastener is received by the handle. The fastener is configured to couple the handle to the spring cage spindle and inhibit movement of the handle with respect to the spring cage spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: James W. Brown, James W. Overbey, Alfred S. Levesque
  • Publication number: 20090277905
    Abstract: A locking device for a locking a lid to a body of storage box is disclosed. The locking device a key operated turnable portion and arms extending from the arms. Each arm has an end portion that is received in a first recess in the side of the body and a hook portion that is received in a second recess in the front face of the body. When the locking device is in an unlocked position the end portions do not extend into the first recesses and the hook portions are positioned so that they can move in and out of the second recess as the lid is lifted. In the lock position the end portions extend into the first recesses and the hook portion can engage a surface of the recess preventing their removal from the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Neil Gillan
  • Publication number: 20090277231
    Abstract: A door lock system for locking and unlocking a door, which ensures a normal operation of a driving motor even if interference occurs in a locker while locking and unlocking operations are performed, by delivering a rotation force of the driving motor to the locker through a torsion spring. The door lock system includes: a driving motor which rotates clockwise and counter-clockwise with a predetermined quantity of rotation in response to a door locking signal and a door unlocking signal, respectively; a locker which locks and unlocks a door while rotating by receiving a driving force of the driving motor; and a rotating gear group which has an upper rotating gear that is disposed between the driving motor and the locker and delivers a rotation force, a lower rotating gear, and a torsion spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Gab Sik Kim
  • Publication number: 20090159394
    Abstract: A coin-operated locking device includes a locking unit, a retaining unit, a driving unit, a coin-actuated unit, a user input unit, and an actuating unit. The locking unit is movable between locking and unlocking positions. The retaining unit is movable between a retaining position, where the retaining unit prevents movement of the locking unit between the locking and unlocking positions, and a non-retaining position, where the retaining unit permits movement of the locking unit between the locking and unlocking positions. The driving unit drives movement of the retaining unit between the retaining and non-retaining positions when actuated. The actuating unit actuates the driving unit upon receipt of the coin-deposited signal from the coin-actuated unit and a user input signal from the user input unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: MIZ ENGINEERING LTD.
    Inventor: Francisco LU
  • Publication number: 20090058106
    Abstract: A handle actuator for dropdown doors or closures includes a handle with a pivot connector at the top and an actuator rod at the bottom. Upper and lower housing are mounted on the door in a vertically aligned and spaced apart relationship. The upper housing has a pivot connector connected with the pivot connector on the handle, and the lower housing has a sleeve slidably receiving the actuator rod therein for reception. A pivoting actuator arm has opposite ends connected with the actuator rod and handle housing respectively, such that reciprocation of the actuator rod rotates the actuator arm. A connector has one end connected with the door latch, and the opposite end connected with the actuator arm, such that the door is shifted from the raised closed position to the lowered open position by grasping the handle, pulling the handle outwardly to release the door latch and manually pivoting the door about the bottom hinge to the lowered open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Bruce C. Bacon
  • Publication number: 20090031767
    Abstract: Provided are a structure of an automobile electronic key for security and a method for performing the function thereof. It is determined whether at least one of a driver seat door closing signal and a brake pedal signal is on. A key fob of an automobile is requested to send the ID thereof, and the ID is received from the key fob when at least one of the driver seat door closing signal and the brake pedal signal is on. The key fob is authenticated using the received ID. An actuator is driven to move a locking member such that a car key is switched to a rotatable state when the key fob passes authentication. The actuator is driven to move the locking member such that the car key is switched to an unrotatable state when the key fob does not pass authentication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Jae Pyung KO, Young Tak Kim, Kyoung Moon Lee, Min Seok Kim, Jae Woo Yang
  • Publication number: 20080252414
    Abstract: A biometric access control system for tracking critical assets and including an ID station incorporating a biometric input reader, an RFID antenna and reader and a wired or wireless (Bluetooth) communication device. A remotely positioned structure includes either or both of a rack or a locker for holding a plurality of the critical assets in individually locked fashion. A processor control built into the ID station operatively actuates each of a plurality of individual locking mechanisms incorporated into the rack structure or locker, in response to successive biometric and weapon selection inputs communicating with the processor, and for determining at least one of user identification and weapon release authorization prior to the processor actuating the locking mechanism to release the weapon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Rick Crigger, Dave Foster, Sam Hoff
  • Publication number: 20080217114
    Abstract: An emergency device for installing in an elevator car of an elevator installation, with an emergency control region, which is to be opened from the interior of the elevator car by an emergency key, wherein a key switch is arranged in the emergency control region so as to transfer the elevator installation to an emergency operation by the same emergency key. Mounted in the elevator car is a key mechanism which has a mechanical profile insert with a key slot and is designed so that through insertion of the emergency key into the key slot and turning the emergency control region is mechanically unlocked. The key switch includes an electromechanical key insert with a key slot and is so designed that through insertion of the emergency key into the key slot and turning the elevator installation can be switched over to the emergency operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Hugo Felder
  • Patent number: 7021852
    Abstract: An open ring-like device for holding articles such as plastic cards and keys is formed so that its ends are opposed to one another and includes tips at the ends. The distance between the tips is less than the thickness of an article. Articles can be inserted into the device by pushing the edge of an article against the tips to spread the tips apart. The article is slid in between the tips to fit a tip through a hole in the article to hold the article on the device. The device allows for the insertion or extraction of articles without a separate step of opening or closing the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Sherrette, LLC
    Inventors: David C. Turner, III, Bernadette A. Turner, Ted J. Sprinkle, Sheryl L. Sprinkle
  • Patent number: 6851292
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lock-key system comprising a flat key (1), which is insertable into the keyway of a cylinder core (3), wherein grooves (4) and ribs (5) inside the keyway are assigned to corresponding ribs (5a) and grooves (4a) located on both flat sides of the key (1), wherein the key is subdivided from the key spine (6) to the key facing into different profile sections. The middle profile section is assigned to at least one groove (4) on one outer surface of the keyway (2) and to a rib (5) on the opposite outer surface of the keyway. Both the groove (4) as well as the rib (5) comprise a flank (4?, 5?), which extends perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the center plane of the key or of the keyway, and comprise a flank (4?, 5?), which extends slantingly to this center plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ikon Aktiengesellschaft Präzisionstechnik
    Inventor: Jürgen Krühn
  • Patent number: 6473022
    Abstract: The present remote control key includes a hollow head comprised of two separable halves. A T-shaped metal socket is attached to the head. A transverse member of the socket is secured inside the head, and a longitudinal member of the socket extends outwardly through a hole at the base of the head. A proximal end of a metal shaft is inserted into a slot in the longitudinal member of the socket. The shaft is secured in the socket by a pin staked through the longitudinal member of the socket and positioned along a channel at the proximal end of the shaft. Remote control electronic components are arranged on a first circuit board inside the head, and a printed antenna is arranged on a second circuit board stacked with and electrically connected to the first circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Sammy K. Y. Wu
  • Patent number: 6331812
    Abstract: A programmable electronic closure system has a lock for operation by a key when an identification code of the key and a corresponding code of the lock match. The closure system can be programmed to modify the code data in both the key and the lock using an input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Electronic Key Systems (E.K.S.) S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Nofal Dawalibi
  • Patent number: 5541571
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held transmitter for the remote control of various vehicle systems with integrated normal key. A housing has electronics and the normal key connected to the said housing, and a sensor system which detects positions or movements of the normal key. Here, a code for the remote-controlled actuation of at least the lock system of the vehicle is emitted as a function of the signals of the sensor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Siegfried Ochs, Peter Brenner
  • Patent number: 4976373
    Abstract: A storage box having a hinged lid movable to an open position for support between two spaced-apart supports to facilitate access to elements stored therein. The hinged lid is also movable to a closed position for latching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: ACCO World Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Perdue, Jr., Jeffrey D. Bransky, William S. Carvell, David E. Dettloff, Duane K. Ischay, Kenneth H. Oberg
  • Patent number: 4200227
    Abstract: A key assembly is provided which includes a support and retainer for a coded electrical circuit which is responsive to short wave radiation for use in security systems which employ the key to open a lock or close a switch for controlling a machine or gaining access to a locked container or room. In one form, a plastic housing surrounds the head of the key and supports or contains an electrical circuit means which is operable for generating a coded short wave signal or affecting an energy field in a coded manner to enable the operation of a machine or motor vehicle. Two or more plastic components are shaped and constructed to not only hold and retain various electrical circuits but also to allow their simple and rapid assembly against and around the head of a key. Retention means for the plastic assembly in the form of ultrasonic welding, fusion bonding, solvent bonding or other means is provided for rapid and easy assembly of the key and electronic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1980
    Inventor: Jerome H. Lemelson
  • Patent number: 4176782
    Abstract: A contactless digital key switch is provided which comprises a plurality of printed circuit substrates each having a predetermined number of magnetic sensor chips longitudinally arranged thereon in spaced relation, the printed circuit substrates disposed in the form of polygon prism with the magnetic sensor chips facing inwardly, an actuating key member having one or more permanent magnets longitudinally arranged therein in spaced relation and in coded form, a rotary member adapted to receive the actuating key member and rotate with the same within the polygon prism defined by the printed circuit substrates, and means drivingly connected to the rotary member for permitting rotation of the rotary member with a snap action and holding the rotary member in a position where the permanent magnets face to the corresponding magnetic sensor chips on one of the printed circuit substrates every time the rotary member is rotated by a predetermined angle, whereby a coded signal corresponding to the permanent magnets arra
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1979
    Assignee: Matsu Kyu Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Fukuda, Haruo Matsuzaka