Condition Indicators Patents (Class 70/432)
  • Patent number: 11885152
    Abstract: Lock indicators useable to signal the locked or unlocked state of a lock at both sides of a door selectively secured by the lock. Lock indicators include a first cuff for receiving an input causing the first cuff to transition from a first position to a second position associated with the locked state and the unlocked state. The lock indicators include a second cuff for receiving input from the first cuff via a transmission rod causing the second cuff to transition from a first position to a second position associated with the locked state and the unlocked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: dormakaba USA Inc.
    Inventor: Jason C. Clifford
  • Patent number: 11732504
    Abstract: A motorized lock assembly and a method of motorizing a lock installed in a door. The motorized lock assembly including a motorized drive assembly to be mounted to an interior side of the door in driving engagement with a bolt assembly of the lock in place of a thumb turn of the lock. The motorized lock assembly also including a communications assembly to receive an instruction from a user and to direct an operation of the motorized drive assembly in response to the instruction from the user. The lock motorized by accessing a bolt assembly of a lock installed within a door through a thumb turn opening in the door, attaching a drive shaft of a motorized drive assembly to the bolt assembly in driving engagement with the bolt assembly, and attaching the motorized drive assembly to the interior side of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Gallery Specialty Hardware Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel K. Cook, David A. Turk, Zhi Yong Su
  • Patent number: 11597315
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior door handle assembly includes a base portion configured to mount at an exterior door handle region of a vehicular door of a vehicle, a handle portion, and a sensing module that includes a light emitter and a light sensor. With the base portion of the handle assembly mounted at the exterior door handle region of the vehicular door, the light emitter is episodically energized to emit light. When the light emitter is not energized to emit light, the light sensor senses ambient light at the handle portion, and when the light emitter is energized to emit light, the light sensor senses emitted light emitted by the light emitter. The sensing module determines presence of a person's hand at the handle portion based at least in part on a difference between the sensed ambient light and the sensed emitted light being below a threshold light level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 11384566
    Abstract: Certain aspects of the technology disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for electrically and mechanically connecting a deadbolt to a main housing of a lock. The main housing can be configured to extend a deadbolt along a path to lock and/or unlock a door while receiving electrical energy from an energy storage device disposed in the deadbolt. The energy storage device disposed in the deadbolt can be proximate to one or more electrical contacts electrically connected to one or more components in the main housing via conductive components of a bolt carriage. The bolt carriage includes a groove attachable to a male detent connector attached to the deadbolt. The groove in the bolt carriage provides a mechanical connection to the deadbolt and also aligns pogo pins with electrical components of the bolt carriage to enable electrical transmission from the deadbolt to the main housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Level Home, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
  • Patent number: 11377872
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a lock assembly that can be converted between a clutching and non-clutching orientation by rotating an outer housing 180 degrees relative to an outside drive assembly. The outer housing includes a notch and an elongate arcuate slot formed in the inner surface of the outer housing adjacent a through aperture and across from one another. A lock control lug is moveably coupled with the outside drive assembly and is selectively engageable with the notch or the arcuate slot of the outer housing. An outer lever is placed in a non-clutching configuration when the lock control lug is engaged with the notch and in a clutching configuration when the lock control lug is engaged with the arcuate slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Kenton H. Barker, David J. Hurlbert
  • Patent number: 11359408
    Abstract: An indicator-type door lock that may prevent the door lock device from being enlarged while user may intuitively identify the lock state of the door lock at the outside. An indicator-type door lock including: a handle shaft having a handle for unlocking and a push button for locking; a driving body mounted with the handle shaft; a door lock main body having a main body cover with at least one display portion displaying the locked state of the door lock to the outside, and installed in front of the driving body; an indicator member installed within the door lock main body to be pivoted to a certain radius, and being exposed through the display portion; and a turning drive member for pivoting the indicator member located within the handle shaft and rotated inside the handle shaft when the push button is pressed to pivot indicator member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventors: Jeong Sik Kim, Yong Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 11306506
    Abstract: In one form, a cylindrical lockset includes a chassis including a pair of hubs, a pair of drive tubes, a retractor, and a lock control assembly. The lock control assembly has a locked state and an unlocked state. The lock control assembly also has a plurality of movable elements, each having a locking position and an unlocking position. One of the hubs includes a guide channel, and a slider is movably seated in the guide channel. One of the movable elements is associated with the slider, and is configured to move the slider between a lock-indicating position and an unlock-indicating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Smitha Basavaraju, Kenton H. Barker, Harikrishnan Mannattil, Subbiah Gopalakrishnan, David J. Hurlbert, Ajeya S. Rao, Achyuta Dhanvantri
  • Patent number: 11199042
    Abstract: A multifunction lock unit is disclosed. The unit is a single, contained unit that includes a base box near an overhead door and a deadbolt in the base box that protrudes into a hole in the overhead door to lock the overhead door. The deadbolt is extendable into the hole and retractable out of the hole. The unit also includes an actuator in the base box coupled to the deadbolt and configured to extend and retract the deadbolt. There is a wireless communication module that can receive a signal from a control unit to extend or retract the deadbolt via the actuator, and send a signal to the motor unit to raise or lower the overhead door. The unit also has a light on the base box for displaying at least two colors of light to show a status of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Hall Labs LLC
    Inventors: David R Hall, Jerome Miles, Chris Jones
  • Patent number: 10738507
    Abstract: An exemplary status-indicating locking assembly includes a cylindrical lock assembly and a status-indicating assembly. The status-indicating assembly includes a sensor configured to sense the status of the cylindrical lock assembly, a transmission configured to communicate the lock status to at least one side of a door, and an indicator configured to display indicia relating to the lock status on the at least one side of the door. In certain forms, the sensor, transmission, and indicator may be electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, magnetic, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Subbiah Gopalakrishnan, Kevin Earl David, Kenton Hayes Barker, Shell Bieker, Daniel J. Compton, Brandon Robinson, Snehill Solanki, Greg Hebner, Bill Massey, Samir M. Tamer
  • Patent number: 10125522
    Abstract: A lockset is actuable by pivoting a handle about a longitudinal axis of the lockset by rotating the handle and by pivoting the handle about an axis transverse to the lockset axis, such as by pushing or pulling. The lockset includes an inside handle and an outside handle, each associated with an independent mechanism, each of which can independently actuate the lockset. A locking mechanism prevents actuation of a first one of the independent handle mechanisms without affecting operation of the other handle mechanism. Upon actuation of the other handle mechanism, a retractor engages a surface of the locking mechanism and removes it from engagement with the first locking mechanism. An adjustment ring has a first configuration that centers the lockset in a door having a first standard thickness and a second configuration that centers the lockset in a door having a second standard thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Hampton Products International Corporation
    Inventors: Xin Ben Ou, Xin Min Ou, Han Gui Xiao, Zhi Man Yuan, Shi Hao Chen, Guo Hua Liu
  • Patent number: 8881558
    Abstract: A lock for luggage, travelcases, briefcases and the like that can be unlocked by setting a combination using a combination mechanism of the lock, and, alternatively, by using a key in a key mechanism of the lock. An indicator of the lock moves to signal when the lock has been unlocked by use of the key mechanism. In some embodiments the indicator can only be reset after the lock has been unlocked using the combination mechanism. In some embodiments the indicator is automatically reset when the lock is unlocked using the combination mechanism. In some embodiments the lock is a padlock that has a shackle defined, at least in part, by a flexible cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Michael O. Misner, Jian-Bing Lu, Xiuxing Lai
  • Publication number: 20140311197
    Abstract: A door lock indicator and method for use by occupants in an interior space to confirm if a lock of a door handle of a door is in a locked or an unlocked position. An inside handle of the door handle must always be free to open the door for immediate exit. When a locking mechanism is in a first position, the locking mechanism aligns with an indicator mechanism to provide an indication that the door handle is in the unlocked position. When the locking mechanism is in a second position, the locking mechanism does not align with the indicator mechanism to provide an indication that the door handle is the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: PDQ MANUFACTURING
    Inventors: Jason S. ABEL, Gerald J. WINGLE, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140216113
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for determining a condition of an electronic lock that may include a keypad, determining at least one of a plurality of keys of the keypad to illuminate based on the condition, and illuminating at least one of the keys on the keypad to indicate the condition and/or provide an audible feedback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Patrick Hogan
  • Patent number: 8739586
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical linear actuator for a lock, which comprises a motor, a rotating shaft connected with the motor, a spring sleeved on the rotating shaft and a pin arranged on the rotating shaft and also comprises a slider, wherein the slider is provided with a frame capable of receiving the shaft and the spring; grooves for limiting the rotating shaft are formed on a wall; the spring comprises a first winding, end coils and second windings; the first winding is arranged in the middle part of the spring and takes the shape of a cylindrical spiral; the end coils are respectively arranged at both ends of the spring and coaxial with the first winding; the second windings are arranged between the first winding and the end coils, and circumscribed circles of the second windings are convex relative to the first winding; and third windings coaxial with the first winding can be arranged between the second windings and the end coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Locway Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mengxiao Yuan
  • Patent number: 8666664
    Abstract: An electronic seal of the present invention includes a bolt. The bolt is used to mount on a door latch of a cargo and inserts into a shell. The shell is provided with a control circuit to actively send a warning signal as the bolt is moved. As such, the user of the electronic seal can be properly informed to prevent theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Syris Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Chien-Sheng Chiu, Chin-Cheng Chen, Kuo-Liang Liao
  • Patent number: 8621899
    Abstract: A travel padlock for securing an article comprises a housing having a shackle, a key lock and a combination lock. An indicator having at least first and second positions is moved from the first position to the second position upon insertion of an object longitudinally into a key hole of the key lock. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the indicator extends beyond the exterior of the housing when in the second position. In addition, in at least one embodiment of the present invention the shackle may be rotated to reset the indicator from the second position back to the first position. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment of the present invention the indicator may be reset from the second position back to the first position without rotating the shackle or unlocking the combination lock. Methods of making and using the padlock are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sinox Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Yung-Li Kuo, Renny T. Ling
  • Patent number: 8621900
    Abstract: An electric door lock including: a lock housing; an operating member having a holding part and a shaft part, the shaft part able to be placed in the lock housing, the shaft part connected to the holding part, the holding part defined as a long axis; a cog wheel able to be placed in the lock housing, the cog wheel having at least one bump; a coupling plate installed on the shaft part of the operating member, the coupling plate having at least one bulge and one protruding part, with the protruding part and the long axis of the holding part designed to move in alignment with each other; a motor placed in the lock housing; three sensor switches set separately in the lock housing; operating the motor causing the bump of the cog wheel to rotate and push the bulge of the coupling plate, so that the protruding part of the coupling plate of the electric door lock installed in the required position on a left-hand door or right-hand door, selectively touches the two sensor switches adjacent to each other, so as to reach
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Tong Lung Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rong-Faa Wu, Tong-Yi Ho, Kun-Chen Tsai, Chen-Ming Lin, Ching-Chuan Kuo
  • Patent number: 8581691
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided in one example embodiment and includes a locking member configured to be coupled to a case that contacts an electronic component, the locking member being part of a security protocol having a secure mode and a disabled mode. The secure mode restricts access to the electronic component and the disabled mode provides access to the electronic component. A signal receiver is configured to be coupled to the locking member to electronically control the locking member in order to switch between the modes. In more specific embodiments, the signal receiver receives instructions for switching the modes from a remote device configured to be coupled to a network. The remote device receives a password from an end user seeking to switch to one of the modes and the remote device switches between the modes if the password is authenticated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Constantine A. Barzacanos
  • Publication number: 20130263633
    Abstract: A door handle apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The door handle includes a door handle body that is configured to be disposed at a door of the vehicle. A light source is mounted inside the door handle body. A light-transmitting member is located between the light source and the door handle body. The light-transmitting member is partially exposed to an exterior of the door handle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Adam Minter, Michael Wlotkowski, Sadayuki Makino, Katsuhisa Yamada
  • Publication number: 20130226795
    Abstract: A vehicle immobilizing device includes a lock, a user interface, memory configured to store an unlock code, and a processor. The lock has a latch mechanism and the processor controls movement of the latch mechanism from a locked position to an unlocked position so that the immobilizing device can be removed from a vehicle. A person installing the immobilizing device on a vehicle utilizes the user interface to enter and store an unlock code and an identification code in the device memory at the time of installation. Upon payment of an outstanding fine, a vehicle owner is provided with an unlock code. To remove the device from the vehicle the owner utilizes the user interface to enter unlock code and the processor causes the latch mechanism to move to the unlocked position upon determining that the unlock code input via the user interface matches an unlock code stored in the memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Gregory S. Hopper, Peter Kent McCammon, Neal Harris Stern, Elizabeth Wells Shumadine
  • Publication number: 20130145802
    Abstract: A low-cost switch sensor remote dead bolt status indicator includes a switch sensor within a key body of a door key which starts a sensor at a door lock location upon sensing of a dead bolt entering into a locked position. The sensor is provided with a self shut-off feature operating after a fixed duration of minutes length has elapsed. The indicator also includes a receiver in the hand held key, which is capable of receiving signals from the sensor after the user presses an inquiry button on its surface. The hand held key has two indicators for alternately displaying the lock's dead bolt status as being locked or unlocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph Eichenstein
  • Patent number: 8438887
    Abstract: A door lock assembly for a door. The door lock assembly includes a handle assembly, a latch bolt assembly disposed within a portion of the handle assembly and a mounting assembly that movably couples the handle assembly to a door panel member. The latch bolt assembly includes a movable latch bolt that translates relative to the handle assembly between an extended position and a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: C.R. Laurence Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Sprague
  • Patent number: 8353184
    Abstract: A travel padlock for securing an article comprises a housing having a shackle, a key lock and a combination lock. An indicator having at least first and second positions is moved from the first position to the second position upon insertion of an object longitudinally into a key hole of the key lock. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the indicator extends beyond the exterior of the housing when in the second position. In addition, in at least one embodiment of the present invention the shackle may be rotated to reset the indicator from the second position back to the first position. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment of the present invention the indicator may be reset from the second position back to the first position without rotating the shackle or unlocking the combination lock. Methods of making and using the padlock are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Sinox Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Renny T. Ling, Yung-Li Kuo
  • Patent number: 8291733
    Abstract: An electric door lock includes a transmission wheel driven by a motor and incorporating a spring with a driving end to drive a driven wheel. The transmission wheel and the driven wheel are rotatably sleeved around an inner drive tube connected to an inner handle. A spindle is inserted into the inner drive tube and has an operating end exposed from the inner handle. The driven wheel is connected integrally to the spindle for rotation. Preferably, a coupling piece extends through an arc-shaped slot in the inner drive tube and interconnects the driven wheel and the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Tong Lung Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Shyang Chiou, Chia-Min Sun, Yu-Ting Huang, Yu-Le Lin
  • Patent number: 8269644
    Abstract: An apparatus for tracking and indicating the status of a lock, comprising: a movement sensing device for sensing movement of a key related to said lock and providing information about said movement; a controller for reception of said information about said movement, processing said information and identifying a key rotation event that is associated with a lock status; and an indication unit being connected to said controller; providing an indication of the lock status according to control signals that are provided by said controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Hillel Weinstein
  • Patent number: 8256250
    Abstract: A padlock includes a housing, a shackle, a limit knob, a movable block and a lock core. The housing has an opening in a wall thereof. The shackle has a shaft portion movably mounted in the housing, and a locking portion extended from the shaft portion and located outside of the housing. The limit knob is partly received in the housing via the opening and has a button located outside of the housing. The movable block is disposed on the limit knob and capable of moving to a predetermined position which is outside of the housing. The lock core has a rotor configured to be driven by a key so as to move the limit knob to a first position where the button of the limit knob keeps the shackle from rotating and a second position where the button of the limit knob allows the shackle to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Chun Te Yu
  • Patent number: 8210007
    Abstract: A method of preventing trailer theft includes the extending of a first end of a rod through a pair of wheels of a trailer. A stop is attached to a second end of the rod to prevent the second end from being pulled through the wheels. The stop has an outer surface has indicia thereon indicating the wheels cannot be rotated. A securing member is extended through the rod adjacent to the first end to prevent the first end from being removed from the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Frederick J. Laracy
  • Patent number: 8210008
    Abstract: An ignition module assembly having a housing member connectable to an ignition system the housing having an undulating surface. A slider member is connected to the housing member and moved between a plurality of discrete positions. The slider member controls the ignition system based on its discrete position. The slider member is configured to receive a key fob. A spring member is compressed between the slider member and the undulating surface and is configured to slide along the undulating surface as the slider member moves between the plurality of discrete positions. The undulations correspond to the discrete positions and a user inserting the key fob into the ignition module assembly and moving the slider member receives haptic feedback to discern the position of the slider member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Stefan Heil
  • Patent number: 8201423
    Abstract: Locks for luggage, travelcases, briefcases and the like that can be operated by setting a combination or by using a key include an indicator to provide a signal in response to use of the key. The locks retain relatively movable components in latched engagement when locked, and permit relative movement of the components when unlocked. In some embodiments, the indicator provides a visual signal if an associated travelcase has been opened for inspection by unlocking the associated lock using a key; and, in some embodiments, the indicator can be reset upon entry of a proper combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Michael O. Misner, Jian-Bing Lu
  • Patent number: 8186187
    Abstract: A dual function lock having a body, a shackle and a frangible element extending from the body is disclosed. The dual function lock also includes a first locking mechanism within the body wherein when the first locking mechanism is locked, the shackle is in a first position where the toe of the shackle is located within the frangible element so that the shackle cannot be rotated and wherein when the first locking mechanism is unlocked, the shackle can be lifted from the first position so that the toe of the shackle is not within the frangible element so that the shackle can be rotated. Methods of using the lock and a refillable insert of frangible elements are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Stanton Concepts, L.L.C.
    Inventors: John Loughlin, Robert Loughlin
  • Patent number: 8171760
    Abstract: A padlock having an open indication function is provided. The padlock includes a first lock, a driving device, and an indication device. A portion of the driving device is movably disposed within a key hole of the first lock. The indication device moves in combination with the driving device. A bottom end of the indication device is connected to a top end of the driving device. In addition, the indication device is selectively disposed between a first position and a second position. When a key is inserted into the key hole of the first lock, the key pushes the driving device to force the indication device moving from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Sinox Co., Ltd
    Inventors: An-Ting Yen, Chun-Sheng Wu
  • Patent number: 8161778
    Abstract: A card lock and key lock assembly includes a housing, a lock latch movably disposed in the housing, a swivel member pivoted to the housing and having a block portion stoppable against the lock latch, a card key lock disposed in the housing and having a lifting plate, a rotating shaft, and a hook plate connected with the lifting plate and engagable with the rotating shaft for driving the rotating shaft to rotate when the lifting plate is moved downwards, such that the rotating shaft is stoppable against the swivel member for driving the block portion of the swivel member to move away from the lock latch, and a pin tumbler lock disposed in the housing and having a plug with an arm portion for driving the block portion of the swivel member to move away from the lock latch when the plug is rotated to an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Sheng-Chueh Ma
  • Publication number: 20120062184
    Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring system for monitoring a state of a door lock mechanism of a door or of a closure of a storage space of a means of transportation, comprising a generator and a sensor/actuator. The generator produces electrical energy from vibration energy, and the sensor detects the state of the door lock mechanism. The sensor uses the kinetic energy that is produced by the actuation of the door lock to generate an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to a microcontroller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Ebeling, Lars Rowold, Michael Pope
  • Patent number: 8094018
    Abstract: A pick-resistant lock system includes a locking means. The locking means includes a displacement sensor for sensing displacement so as to generate a displacement signal, the displacement sensor comprising a micro electromechanical gyroscope, a second counterpart, a second alarm, and a second control unit for receiving the displacement signal so as to start the alarm. A key includes a control switch, a second counterpart corresponding to the second counterpart, a second alarm, and a second control unit for receiving the displacement signal transmitted from the locking means so as to start the second alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignees: Silitek Electronic (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd., Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Tzu-Wei Chang
  • Patent number: 8087275
    Abstract: A multiple dial lock includes reset dials rotatable around a lock shaft. Each reset dial must be at a specific angular position for a user to unlock the lock or reset the combination. Each reset dial has a magnet. A master key includes sensors, each in communication with one signal. Each of the signals indicates to a user that a respective magnet is adjacent a respective sensor, thus assisting a user in recovering a lost combination. A rotary lock includes a dial which rotates a drive cam, which in turn rotates several wheels to their unlocking positions. One magnet for each wheel is provided on the drive cam. Each magnet communicates with one sensor provided on a master key, which also includes signals, indicating that a respective magnet is adjacent a respective sensor, thus assisting a user in recovering a lost combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: ACCO Brands USA LLC
    Inventors: Carl H. Poppe, George T. Yu
  • Patent number: 8056376
    Abstract: A lock includes a housing, a locking mechanism and an indicator. The locking mechanism is disposed in the housing and includes a first module and a second module both configured to lock or unlock the lock. The indicator is able to move from an original position to an indicative position outside the housing in response to operation of the first module. However, when being located in the indicative position, the indicator is unresponsive to the operation of the first module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Chun Te Yu
  • Patent number: 8037725
    Abstract: A door lock indicator device is disclosed. The door lock indicator device can include a rotatable portion, a lock status display, and a switch (e.g., a button). The rotatable portion can define an opening shaped to receive a key blade. The door lock indicator device can be installed on a face of a door lock with the opening aligned with a keyhole of the door lock. Rotating a key blade within a keyway of the door lock can cause the rotatable portion to rotate with the door lock's cylinder. The lock status display can include a first indicator light and a second indicator light. Activating the switch can cause the lock status display to indicate a direction of a most recent rotation of the rotatable portion and/or a locked or unlocked status of the associated door lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Levine
  • Patent number: 8011212
    Abstract: This invention relates to a lock, which includes a housing and an indicative lock core. The indicative lock core is operable by a key to move to an indicative position and be stuck in the indicative position. The indicative lock core can move back to its original position only through a restore mechanism. When the key-operated lock core is in the indicative position, the key-operated lock core is partly situated outside the housing and is easily noticed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Chun Te Yu
  • Publication number: 20110138866
    Abstract: An access identification assembly allows the owner of a piece of luggage or some other accessible structure to identify when someone has gained access to it. The assembly includes a housing which defines an interior space. The housing includes first and second openings. A locking member defines a fixed end, a movable end and an elongated body extending therebetween. The fixed end is fixedly secured to the housing and the movable end extends out and away from the housing. The movable end is selectively insertable into the housing to secure the access identification assembly. The access identification assembly also includes a releasing mechanism that is operatively connected to the housing for permanently unsecuring the access identification assembly. When either the releasing mechanism is broken or the locking member is severed, the user of the luggage knows that access has been obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: LUKA Global, LLC
    Inventor: W. Kay Ponicall
  • Patent number: 7938765
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a centrifuge including: a rotor rotated by a driver; a chamber housing the rotor therein; a cover openable and closable with respect to the chamber; and a lock mechanism that locks the cover in a closed state, wherein the lock mechanism includes: a motor; a first hook rotated by the motor; and a second hook connected to the first hook through a connecting member, wherein the cover includes a securing portion on which the first hook and the second hook are respectively secured when the cover is locked, and wherein, during a locking operation of the cover, primary the first hook is engaged with the securing portion and pulls the cover toward the chamber, and then the second hook is engaged with the securing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hayasaka
  • Publication number: 20110100076
    Abstract: An apparatus for tracking and indicating the status of a lock, comprising: a movement sensing device for sensing movement of a key related to said lock and providing information about said movement; a controller for reception of said information about said movement, processing said information and identifying a key rotation event that is associated with a lock status; and an indication unit being connected to said controller; providing an indication of the lock status according to control signals that are provided by said controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Hillel WEINSTEIN
  • Publication number: 20110100077
    Abstract: A door lock indicator device is disclosed. The door lock indicator device can include a rotatable portion, a lock status display, and a switch (e.g., a button). The rotatable portion can define an opening shaped to receive a key blade. The door lock indicator device can be installed on a face of a door lock with the opening aligned with a keyhole of the door lock. Rotating a key blade within a keyway of the door lock can cause the rotatable portion to rotate with the door lock's cylinder. The lock status display can include a first indicator light and a second indicator light. Activating the switch can cause the lock status display to indicate a direction of a most recent rotation of the rotatable portion and/or a locked or unlocked status of the associated door lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Levine
  • Patent number: 7908896
    Abstract: Implementations of biometric deadbolt lock assemblies having various aspects relating to lock housing; a fingerprint sensor in the housing; a controller in the housing and electrically coupled to the fingerprint sensor, the controller configured to store data and compare stored data to data from the fingerprint sensor; a deadbolt mechanism; a manual actuator couplable to the deadbolt mechanism; a controlled actuator electrically coupled to the controller that couples or uncouples the deadbolt mechanism from the manual actuator to enable or disable manual operation of the deadbolt lock through the manual actuator. A battery may also be included within the housing and in particular implementations a biometric deadbolt lock assembly may be configured to fit in the same size opening as a conventional deadbolt lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventors: Timothy L. Olson, Paul J. Byrne, Robert A. Johannsen, Kenneth C. Blaisdell, John Tysver
  • Publication number: 20110016938
    Abstract: A lock status indicator device (10) includes a base (12) secured to an outer surface (26) of a door (24) with a door lock (30). The door lock (30) includes a bolt (32) moveable between an extended, latching position and a retracted, unlatching position. A slider (14) is slideably mounted to the base (12) and includes first and second indicators (59, 65) on an outer face (56) of the slider (14) for indicating the door (24) is in a locked status not allowing the bolt (32) to be retracted from the latching position to the unlatching position or in an unlocked status allowing the bolt (32) to be retracted from the latching position to the unlatching position. A cam (16) is pivotably mounted to the base (12) and includes a guiding slot (61) through which a protrusion (58) of the slider (14) slideably extends. A shaft (18) is engaged with the cam (16) and operably connected to a turnknob (33) of the door lock (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Yi-Ting Chi
  • Patent number: 7874972
    Abstract: A centrifuge includes: a rotation room chamber for defining a rotation room; a lid for closing the rotation room; a locking mechanism configured by a hook for locking the lid in a closed state; a hook catch; a driving mechanism having a link mechanism which converts the rotary movement of the driving shaft portion into a reciprocal movement; and a detection portion for detecting the engagement of the hook with the hook catch in the closed state of the lid. The detection portion includes a disc member fixed to the driving shaft portion and has a concavo-convex outer peripheral surface and sensors for detecting the concave and convex portions. The driving mechanism moves in an interlocked manner with the rotation of the disc member. The positions of the concave and convex portions of the disc member correspond to the position where the hook engages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hayasaka, Hiroyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7866195
    Abstract: A door lock indicator device is disclosed. The door lock indicator device can include a rotatable portion, a lock status display, and a switch (e.g., a button). The rotatable portion can define an opening shaped to receive a key blade. The door lock indicator device can be installed on a face of a door lock with the opening aligned with a keyhole of the door lock. Rotating a key blade within a keyway of the door lock can cause the rotatable portion to rotate with the door lock's cylinder. The lock status display can include a first indicator light and a second indicator light. Activating the switch can cause the lock status display to indicate a direction of a most recent rotation of the rotatable portion and/or a locked or unlocked status of the associated door lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Levine
  • Publication number: 20100313612
    Abstract: A low-cost switch sensor remote dead bolt status indicator includes a switch sensor which starts a transmitter at a door lock location upon sensing of a dead bolt entering into a locked position. The transmitter is provided with a self shut-off feature operating after a fixed duration of minutes length has elapsed. The indicator also includes a receiver in a hand held unit, such as a key fob capable of receiving signals from the transmitter after the user presses an inquiry key on its surface. The hand held receiver having two indicators for alternately displaying the lock's dead bolt status as being locked or unlocked. In an alternate embodiment, the switch sensor is provided as an integral part bonded to the conventional manufactured metal strike plate dead bolt frame that is typically attached to the door jamb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph Eichenstein, John V. Mizzi
  • Patent number: 7805969
    Abstract: A multiple dial lock includes reset dials rotatable around a lock shaft. Each reset dial must be at a specific angular position for a user to unlock the lock or reset the combination. Each reset dial has a magnet. A master key includes sensors, each in communication with one signal. Each of the signals indicates to a user that a respective magnet is adjacent a respective sensor, thus assisting a user in recovering a lost combination. A rotary lock includes a dial which rotates a drive cam, which in turn rotates several wheels to their unlocking positions. One magnet for each wheel is provided on the drive cam. Each magnet communicates with one sensor provided on a master key, which also includes signals, indicating that a respective magnet is adjacent a respective sensor, thus assisting a user in recovering a lost combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: ACCO Brands USA LLC
    Inventors: Carl H. Poppe, George T. Yu
  • Publication number: 20100225440
    Abstract: A lock mechanism for sealing a goods compartment has a housing (10) supporting a shackle (62) movable between open and closed positions to permit hoops on the ends of an elongate sealing member (44) to be connected thereto and then held thereby. The shackle (62) is retained in its closed position by a spying loaded push-button (32) and also by an auxiliary lock (64) including an electric actuator (71) controlled by a control unit (15). The housing (10) has a display device (17, 18, 19) to indicate the lacking condition and sealing of the mechanism and also has a proximity card reader adapted to read information from a presented smartcard, operation of the auxiliary lock (64) being controlled by presentation of an appropriate smartcard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Alan James Maple, Ian Martin Lennard
  • Patent number: 7775072
    Abstract: There is disclosed a safety switch for generating an enable signal as a function of the position of a moveable guard door. The safety switch comprises a door part and a frame part. The door part has an activator, which can be displaced between a first and a second position. The frame part has a cutout, in which the activator can engage in the second position. A locking element is arranged on the door part in order to lock the activator in the second position. A sensor is designed to detect at least one of the positions of the activator in order to generate the enable signal as a function thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Pilz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jürgen Pullmann, Roland Rupp, Andreas Veit, Peter Eichinger