Cabinet Patents (Class 70/78)
  • Publication number: 20100164337
    Abstract: Provided is a medicine cart (1) including a cassette (10) which is upwardly open and accommodates a plurality of medicine containers in an upright state in a row; a shelf plate (8) on which a plurality of the cassettes (10) are placed and which can be drawn out of a main body (3) of the medicine cart (1); and a pressing member (47) provided in each cassette (10) and adapted to forwardly press a rearmost medicine container, in which a locking means (61) for locking the pressing member (47) at a predetermined position in the cassette (10), and an unlocking means (62,63) for canceling the lock of the pressing member (47) by the locking means (61) if the shelf plate (8) is pushed in or drawn out, are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Shoji Yuyama
  • Publication number: 20100139338
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lock (1) which can be released on an electrically automated basis, in particular for use with locker-type storage systems. A lock element (9) which can be introduced into the lock (1) is provided, which lock element (9) can be blocked in the lock (1) and thus holds a locker door (2) fixedly connected to the lock element (9) in the closed position. A lock pawl (14) which can be displaced in rotation to a limited degree is also provided, which engages with the lock element (9), either directly or indirectly via at least one displaceably mounted coupling element (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Wintersteiger
  • Publication number: 20100127862
    Abstract: To provide an electronic key capable of easily checking whether or not data has been read from a contact IC chip and enhance reliability of security, an electronic key includes a contact IC chip connected in series to first and second terminals so that data is read from the IC chip by a current allowed to flow between the first and second terminals, wherein the electronic key comprises an LED arranged in parallel to the contact IC chip and allowed to turn on through use of the current allowed to flow between the first and second terminals when the first and second terminals contact with IC chip data reading means, and turn-on of the LED indicates that data has been read from the contact IC chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: TOKAI RIKEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiro Sato, Nobuhiko Segi
  • Patent number: 7716958
    Abstract: An insert type of cylinder cabinet cam lock permits use of Schlage-compatible deadbolt cylinders in a cabinet door and/or drawer cam lock. A bifurcated, housing is provided that journals a cam driver adapted for operational interconnection with the Schlage-compatible standard deadbolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Lock, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Martin
  • Publication number: 20100106291
    Abstract: A multi-drawer and doored vending system in which each drawer has one or a plurality of compartments each holding an items to be vended, and each doored compartment contains at least one item for vending. Drawer control is provided by a drawer opening and position control system comprising an array of spaced apart control tabs on each drawer, a drawer lock and release assembly, and a progressively movable drawer position control bar to control drawer opening in conjunction with the control tabs. Each doored compartment also employs a lock and release assembly. A control system is provided to control user interface, to maintain product inventory counts and to control the vending process. This involves verifying the identity of a user seeking to obtain a vended item, verifying any other system or pre-vend requirements, and permits limited access to a drawer and compartment corresponding to an approved vend selection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: Automated Merchandising Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Campbell, Marcus A. Loignon, Michael V. Smith, Yaron Bukchin
  • Patent number: 7634929
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder core (1) which can be mounted in a rotatable manner in a locking device, in particular of a storage compartment or of a glove compartment of a motor vehicle, and has a head region (6), which has a key channel (2) into which a key can be introduced, and a retaining region (7), which adjoins the head region (6) and is formed with a control means (8) which, when the cylinder core (1) is rotated about its axis of rotation (11), moves an arresting means, which is arranged in the locking device, for a closing and/or opening operation. The invention provides for the cylinder core (1) to have at least two material bodies (6, 7, 8), wherein a first material body (6, 7) is configured with the head region (6), which contains a first plastic, and a second material body (7, 8) is designed with the control means (8), which contains a second plastic, the second plastic having a higher strength than the first plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: HUF Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Frank Kuhnke, Armin Geurden, Dirk Jacob
  • Publication number: 20090240511
    Abstract: An apparatus, an integrated controller and a method of securely supplying goods to a customer. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) a chassis having a first compartment configured to store goods at a first temperature and a second compartment configured to store goods at a second temperature different from the first temperature, (2) an access barrier mounted to the chassis and movable between an open position in which access to the first and second compartments is allowed and a closed position in which the access is denied and (3) an integrated controller including an access management system configured to control the access to the first and second compartments through the access barrier and a goods management system configured to track goods deposited to and retrieved from the first and second compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Daniel J. Darrouzet
  • Publication number: 20090151405
    Abstract: The cupboard forming a display cabinet comprises at least one pane (1) fixed on a shoe (4) moving along a rail and an electromagnetic lock (7) housed in the frame (11) of the cupboard, so that its bolt (7a) can interact with a notch (6) formed on the shoe when the pane is in the locked position. In order to identify the locking of the pane, the rail may have a lateral protrusion (9) and the cupboard may contain an electric circuit (8) including a contact between the bolt of the lock and the protrusion, the closure of the circuit allowing the desired identification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: ADLER S.A.S.
    Inventors: Eric Michel BOURGAIN, Jean-Jacques Claude Roger Masson
  • Publication number: 20090153004
    Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed, by which assembly and disassembly of a control panel (70) is facilitated to an installing arrangement of the washing machine and by which a control panel (70) is configured stable against heat or water coming from the inside of the washing machine. The present invention includes a body case configuring an exterior of the washing machine, a top plate (80) provided to a topside of the body case, a control panel (70) attached to a front side of the body case to perform various manipulations required for an operation of the washing machine, and a panel frame (100) provided to an upper or lower part of the front side of the body case to be externally exposed in part, the panel frame (100) having one side connected to the top plate (80) and the other side assembled to the control panel (70).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Il Tak Han, Sung Gi Hwang, Ju Han Yoon, Seong Kyu Kim, Seon Il Heo
  • Publication number: 20090127986
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an article of furniture, such as a desk or cabinet which has a horizontal display (1) or storage surface that is capable of displaying objects and that also contains a storage compartment (2) having its own display (7) or storage surface on which various objects can rest. The storage compartment may be lowered and concealed within the furniture article, and then whenever desired, it may be raised to display and allow access to any objects that it contains. Preferably the compartment is moved by electrically powered mechanism such as a cable and drum motor. There may be guidance means, such as a track (3), to assist the movement of the cabinet, as well as adjustment means to allow the two display surfaces to be positioned flush with each other when the display cabinet is in its raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Hermanus Lukas Carelsen
  • Publication number: 20080302144
    Abstract: A four-way, field-reversible self-latching cabinet lock includes a cylinder and plug assembly shell that is rotatable with respect to a bolt housing cover for the lock. A locking device is provided to fix the cylinder and plug assembly shell in one of four orthogonal positions with respect to the bolt housing cover. The bolt housing cover is receivable by a bolt housing and conventional self-latching latch bolt. In this manner, pins in the cylinder and plug assembly may be retained in a desirable vertical position while a throw of the bolt can be adjusted to vertical, inverted, left-hand, and right-hand positions in the field without special tools or additional parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Frank J. Martin
  • Publication number: 20080223091
    Abstract: A locking mechanism includes a lock and first and second movable members. The lock has a body and a shank, but does not have an exposed shackle. The body defines a slot which opens to an outward surface thereof. The shank is movable within the body between a locked position where the shank is within the slot and an unlocked position where the shank is not within the slot. The second member is disposed within the slot of the lock and is operatively associated with the first member. In operation, when the shank is in the locked position, the shank prevents the second member from moving within the slot of the lock, thus substantially preventing the first member from moving. When the shank is in the unlocked position, the second member is able to freely move within the slot of the lock, thus allowing the first member to move.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: John W. Kroening, Louis George Boss
  • Publication number: 20080180005
    Abstract: An enclosure suitable for housing equipment for which controlled access is desirable. The enclosure has at least one, preferably two, enclosure doors secured by securing assemblies selected from a group consisting of a lock cylinder assembly, an electronic lock assembly, a quarter-turn latch assembly, a compression latch assembly, a folding T latch assembly, a lift and turn compression latch assembly, a pawl/cam action latch assembly, a multi-point latch assembly and a bolt assembly for securing to a rotary latch. Each securing assembly is secured to a mounting plate so that the respective securing assemblies may be easily exchanged within a standardized opening in the respective enclosure doors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Randy L. Squier
  • Publication number: 20080141737
    Abstract: A lock for a locker has a housing, a front panel, a control locking device and a main locking device. The housing has a coin passage device which has at least one adjustable coin plate. The position of the coin plate could be adjusted in the coin plate. Therefore, various coins could be put in the lock without changing the coin plate, and the use of the lock is convenient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Hsueh-Liang Chang
  • Publication number: 20080141738
    Abstract: A lock for a locker has a housing, a front panel, a control locking device, a main locking device, an electrical controller and a power supply device. The main locking device has an operating knob to operate the lock for the locker. Therefore, when the operating knob is turned, the lock is locked or unlocked. Using an operating knob directly formed on the locking device is convenient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Hsueh-Liang Chang
  • Patent number: 7377139
    Abstract: A cabinet lock includes a lock shell, a lock frame and a restricting device. The lock shell defines a card insertion space, the lock frame includes a slide portion, a hasp portion, an initiative portion and a core, the hasp portion defines a slide groove, the initiative portion is fixed to the hasp portion within the slide groove. The core extends into the main shell to contact with the hasp portion. A block and a protruding portion are defined where the lock block moves away from the stop portion by an external force displacing the extruding portion. Thus, the key can be removed from the core when the card is inserted, and the block locks the card and does not permit removal of the card. The card can be removed when the key is inserted into the core which avoids the loss of the card and the key together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Ping-Jan Yang
  • Publication number: 20080105008
    Abstract: A cabinet lock includes a lock shell, a lock frame and a restricting device. The lock shell defines a card insertion space, the lock frame includes a slide portion, a hasp portion, an initiative portion and a core, the hasp portion defines a slide groove, the initiative portion is fixed to the hasp portion within the slide groove. The core extends into the main shell to contact with the hasp portion. A block and a protruding portion are defined where the lock block moves away from the stop portion by an external force displacing the extruding portion. Thus, the key can be removed from the core when the card is inserted, and the block locks the card and does not permit removal of the card. The card can be removed when the key is inserted into the core which avoids the loss of the card and the key together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Ping-Jan Yang
  • Patent number: 7340928
    Abstract: A casement lock for mounting on a cabinet part, especially without the use of a tool. A housing is adapted to be fixedly mounted in an opening of the cabinet part, and an operating shaft is rotatably mounted in the housing. A locking ring is disposed on an inner part of the housing to fasten the housing to the cabinet. The locking ring is axially displaceable on the housing part against the force of a spring supported on the housing. Projections on the housing axially engage in radially extending extensions of the cabinet opening. The locking ring has locking dogs that are offset relative to the housing projections and have inclined surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: EMKA Beschlagteile GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rainer Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7318632
    Abstract: A storage cabinet having a latching mechanism that can be unlatched by the use of either an upper actuator or a lower actuator is provided. The upper actuator may comprise a hand knob while the lower actuator may comprise a foot pedal. Thus, if an operator has his arms full and wants to open the doors of the cabinet, he can simply do so by actuating the foot pedal. Alternately, the doors of the cabinet may be opened by actuating the hand knob. This design affords the operator much flexibility in accessing the storage cabinet. A storage cabinet with a latching mechanism that is protected from damage under abusive conditions is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Knaack LLC
    Inventors: Barry Bidinger, Jerry Draffkorn, Jr., Atul Saigal, Steve Rogman, Robert Bergum
  • Publication number: 20070283733
    Abstract: An electrically activated locking device is provided for use with an article of furniture of the type comprising a cabinet with an interior surface, at least one drawer in the cabinet moveable between an open position and a closed position, and a locking bar slideably mounted adjacent the interior surface for vertical movement and having at least one locking pin extending therefrom into locking engagement with the drawer and at least one lifting pin extending therefrom. The device includes an electrically powered actuator, an electronic module for controlling power to the actuator, a rotatable cam operatively connected to the actuator, and a lifting pin carrier in the path of and vertically moveable by rotation of the cam. The lifting pin carrier has an opening for receiving the lifting pin, whereby the locking bar is moveable into either an unlocked or locked position responsive to rotation of the cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Ratkus, Rudor M. Teich
  • Patent number: 7152441
    Abstract: A locking system for a cart having at least one drawer movable between an open position and a closed position. The locking system includes a cam that is movable between a locked position, wherein the drawer of the cart is prevented from moving between the closed and open positions, and an unlocked position, wherein the drawer is released for movement between the closed and open positions. A manually actuated lock mechanism is coupled to the cam and is operable to move the cam between the locked and unlocked positions. An electronically actuated lock mechanism cooperates with the manually actuated lock mechanism to permit automatic operation of the locking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Artromick International, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Friar, Ryan Scott Crisp, George Clark
  • Patent number: 7146831
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lockable latch for securing together a first panel to a second panel or keeper on a second panel or frame. The latch has a housing, a lockplug configured for a key, a lock collar and a return spring. When a user turns a key to rotate the lockplug and thereby lock the lockplug, the lock collar rotates through 90 degrees and a portion thereof occupies the space or gap between an edge of the first panel and a portion of the latch housing configured and dimensioned to receive the edge of the first panel or frame. As a result, space between an edge of the housing and the first panel is taken up by a portion of the locking collar due to rotation of the locking collar in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Antonucci, Robert Neale, Ismael Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7006876
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a safety cabinet with an interior that is enclosed by a housing and a housing front side with a work opening that can be closed with a height-adjustable window. The safety cabinet contains an operating unit for controlling device functions which is integrated into the housing. The operating unit comprises at least one rocker button, the button assignment of which changes depending on the operating state of the safety cabinet in such a way that a certain device function can be controlled in the respective operating state by actuating a button of the rocker button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products GmbH
    Inventor: Gerd Ross
  • Patent number: 6918826
    Abstract: A coin treating device, wherein a key cylinder type locking means for limiting the release of the latch of the latch means is disposed in a coin storage unit so that the coin storage unit cannot easily be removed from a device main body other than in some specific cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon Conlux
    Inventors: Kenji Nakajima, Yasuyuki Kodama, Takahiro Hayashi, Masato Yagi, Shinichi Kosugi, Takeshi Ishida, Tsunehiro Aso, Kenji Koyama
  • Publication number: 20040194517
    Abstract: A storage cabinet comprises: a container having a floor, upright side walls and a rear wall attached to and extending upwardly from the floor, and a ceiling attached to the side walls and rear wall, the floor, side walls, rear wall, and ceiling defining a storage cavity; a vertical support member extending upwardly from the floor; at least one door pivotally attached to one of the side walls and movable between an open position, in which the cavity is accessible from a position forward thereof, and a closed position, in which the door contacts the support member and prevents access to the cavity from a position forward thereof, and a latching mechanism attached to the support member. The latching mechanism includes two release members protruding forwardly from the support member, wherein an upper one of the release members is positioned above a lower one of the release members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Richard A. Samsel
  • Patent number: 6748778
    Abstract: A front loading lock system for office furniture including a lockheader having two openings, a reinforcing channel member attached to the lockheader and also having an opening and a bracing lip, a plastic lock housing which is snap fitted into one of the openings in the lockheader and a lock which is axially inserted into the other of the openings in the lockheader, and into an opening in the lock housing, where the lock is supported by both the lock housing and braced by the bracing lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Dale B. Higdon, Charles J. Calcott
  • Patent number: 6735991
    Abstract: A tamper resistant lock assembly is disclosed which is configured to prevent keyless operation of the lock assembly. The tamper resistant lock assembly includes a lock housing having a bolt slidably supported therein and a strike. The lock housing is secured to a mounting plate which is adapted to be fastened to a movable member such as a door. The strike is adapted to be fastened to a support member such as a door jam at a position to facilitate engagement between the bolt and the strike when the movable member is in a closed position. The strike includes a C-shaped catch member defining a recess having an opening which is configured to receive an engagement portion of the strike when the movable member is in the closed position. The engagement portion of the strike is also C-shaped and defines a recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventors: Alan E. Lurie, Joseph Thomas
  • Patent number: 6722167
    Abstract: A cabinet lock controlled by a press-button lock is disclosed to include an upright track affixed to the back side of the cabinet, a sliding locking bar vertically movably mounted in the upright track and adapted to hook the drawers in the cabinet, a linkage coupled between the top end of the upright track and the top end of the sliding locking bar and driven by the lock cylinder of the press-button lock through a push bar to move the sliding locking bar, and a spring member adapted to push the sliding locking bar upwards from the locking position to the unlocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Long-Jung Hsu
  • Patent number: 6698258
    Abstract: A rotating modular arm with two arm segments is used in a cabinet locking system. The two arm segments are urged apart by a spring. Each arm segment is connected to a lock bar. When the modular arm is rotated, the arm segments displace the lock bars to lock or unlock the drawers of the cabinet. One of the arm segments defines an elongated asymmetrical slot with two slot portions. The first slot portion is elongated and has a width that is less than the diameter of the second slot portion. A keyed lock housing includes a rotating lock core attached to a Z-shaped crank. A retainer is securely attached to the crank. The retainer has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the second slot portion, but the retainer diameter is greater than the width of the first slot portion. During installation, the retainer is engaged with the modular arm by first inserting the crank through the second slot portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Wesko Locks Ltd.
    Inventor: Florian Westwinkel
  • Patent number: 6681604
    Abstract: A storage cabinet includes a container having a floor, upright side walls and a rear wall attached to and extending upwardly from the floor, and a ceiling attached to the side walls and rear wall. The floor, side walls, rear wall, and ceiling define a storage cavity. A vertical support member extends upwardly from the floor. At least one door is pivotally attached to one of the side walls and is movable between an open position, in which the cavity is accessible from a position forward of the cavity, and a closed position, in which the door contacts the support member and prevents access to the cavity from a position forward of the cavity. A latching mechanism is attached to the support member and includes upper and lower release members protruding forwardly from the support member that are movable in unison from a latched position to an unlatched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Delta Consolidated Industries
    Inventor: Richard A. Samsel
  • Publication number: 20030159477
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bar lock for a locking system that is used, in particular, in metal cabinet doors. Said locking system comprises a lock body (10) and a pinion (18), which is mounted therein and which is provided for actuating the lock bars (12) reaching through the lock body (10). The invention is characterized in that two pinions (18), which are connected to one another with positive fit, are placed inside the one-piece lock body (10), and the engaging openings, which are formed on the lock bars (12) and provided for the teeth (19) of the pinion (18), are provided in the form of laterally open denticulations (29) and as perforations (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Rainer Hoffmann, Manfred Sauerland
  • Publication number: 20030010072
    Abstract: A tamper resistant lock assembly is disclosed which is configured to prevent keyless operation of the lock assembly. The tamper resistant lock assembly includes a lock housing having a bolt slidably supported therein and a strike. The lock housing is secured to a mounting plate which is adapted to be fastened to a movable member such as a door. The strike is adapted to be fastened to a support member such as a door jam at a position to facilitate engagement between the bolt and the strike when the movable member is in a closed position. The strike includes a C-shaped catch member defining a recess having an opening which is configured to receive an engagement portion of the strike when the movable member is in the closed position. The engagement portion of the strike is also C-shaped and defines a recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Alan E. Lurie, Joseph Thomas
  • Patent number: 6497462
    Abstract: An upright storage cabinet having a cam lock arrangement which simultaneously locks all of the cabinet drawers. The lock arrangement includes a rotatable cam member which is movable into a locked position wherein the cam member engages a locking element to lift a lock bar into engagement with the drawers, and an unlocked position wherein the cam member disengages from the locking element to disengage the lock bar from the drawers. The cam member is mounted for vertical displacement relative to an actuator of the lock arrangement to allow self-adjustment of the position of the cam member relative to the locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy J. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6485067
    Abstract: A sliding rod closure for a cabinet door hinged on a switch cabinet body having a locking mechanism which has an actuating member displaceable in the direction of rotation. The actuating member is coupled to a sliding unit that has a spaced adjusting member situated perpendicular to the sliding direction of the rotational axis of the actuating member. The adjusting member can be operated by the actuating member. The sliding rod closure can be used to meet various requirements thus resulting in an easier operation. The adjusting member can be assigned to the actuating member in a variety of assembly positions, whereby the sliding direction of the sliding unit is maintained in various assembly positions. However, the direction of rotation of the actuating member is modified or the sliding direction of the sliding unit is also modified, and the direction of rotation of the actuating member is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Paul Root
  • Patent number: 6374649
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Waterloo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Holcomb, Kent C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6347848
    Abstract: A locking device for drawers of a cabinet, including a case body, several drawers vertically arranged in the interior space of the case body, a slide seat disposed in the case body, a latch plate disposed on each drawer and a detent unit. One end of the latch plate is bent toward the drawer to form a stop section with a predetermined length and inclination angle. The detent unit includes an engaging body and a link. The engaging body is vertically slidably fitted in the slide seat. The engaging body is formed with several engaging holes corresponding to the latch plates of the drawers. An upper end of the engaging body is formed with an elongated hanging slot. The link is perpendicularly passed through the hanging slot to abut against the inner edge of the upper end of the hanging slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: E-Make Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lien-Chiu Cho
  • Patent number: 6341511
    Abstract: A lock system for locking a chest having multiple banks of drawers having a horizontally situated transfer mechanism, the transfer mechanism adapted to move horizontally and where the transfer mechanism is positioned behind a portion of each of the multiple banks of drawers intended to be locked and unlocked; a lockrod for actuating the horizontally situated transfer mechanism; and a plurality of vertically situated lock hinges, where each of the lock hinges corresponding to a bank of drawers, and wherein each of the vertically situated lock hinges are actuated by a horizontal movement of the transfer mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Stanley Mechanics Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Snoke, James D. Stewart, George Funari, Gary Silvis
  • Patent number: 6173593
    Abstract: An improved locking mechanism and method for securing drawers and cabinet doors is disclosed which allows the drawers and cabinet doors to be only partially opened until the locking mechanism is unlocked. When the drawer or cabinet door is closed, the hidden locking mechanism of the present invention is entirely concealed from view behind the drawer or cabinet door. The locking mechanism of the present invention allows the drawer or cabinet door to be opened sufficiently to expose the locking mechanism, but effectively prevents the drawer or cabinet door from being more than slightly opened until the locking mechanism is unlocked. When the locking mechanism is unlocked, the drawer or cabinet door may then be fully opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher John Liermann
  • Patent number: 6164098
    Abstract: A cabinet locking system for a frameless glass door. The system includes a strike/pull mounted on the door and a lock mounted on the cabinet. The strike/pull clamps about the edge of the glass door and includes a lock strike on the cabinet-interior side and a pull on the cabinet-exterior side. The lock mounted on the cabinet frame includes a throw cooperating with the strike/pull. In the locked position, the lock throw cooperates with the strike of the strike/pull to lock the door in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Howard Miller Clock Company
    Inventor: Jack L. Hommes
  • Patent number: 6138484
    Abstract: A rod locking device for locking cabinet doors has locking rods movable between an unlocked position for unlocking the cabinet doors and a locking position for locking the cabinet doors. A two-part lock housing having short rods arranged therein is provided. The short rods are connected by a connecting device to the locking rods. The lock housing has a drive member arranged therein and connected to the short rods. An actuating device is connected to the drive member for actuating the drive member in order to move the short rods. The short rods have a length such that, in a retracted position, the short rods do not project from the lock housing. The lock housing has a base plate to be positioned at the exterior side of the cabinet door at a door penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: EMKA Beschlagteile GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Sauerland, Friedhelm Runge
  • Patent number: 6116067
    Abstract: A lock system for a tool container provides the convenience of remote control without compromising the simplicity of the manual key operation. The lock system has an electronically controlled actuating mechanism coupled to the locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the tool container. The coupling between the electronically controlled actuating mechanism and the locking system allows a user to manually override the electronically controlled actuating mechanism with the conventional key-turning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Fort Lock Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Myers, Paul D. Caplinger, William D. Denison, Calin V. Roatis
  • Patent number: 6081186
    Abstract: An electronic system of locking and alarming one or more doors such that if an attempt is made to open the door, the alarm sounds. The device is preferably installed on vehicles having multiple built-in equipment compartments. The device is powered by the vehicle battery and includes a novel lock mechanism which requires very little power. The lock mechanism comprises a lock housing, a pin, a pivoting latch gate, a switch and a solenoid. The device is electrically connected to a vehicle's conventional remote-controlled security system and sounds an alarm if an attempt is made to open a compartment door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Morgan Allen Adams
  • Patent number: 6077427
    Abstract: A water vending machine is provided of the type having a water purification system for producing a supply of relatively purified water for dispensing into a customer-supplied container such as a water bottle. The vending machine includes an open dispense chamber for receiving and supporting the water bottle beneath a dispense nozzle through which water is delivered in response to coin-initiated operation of a machine control panel. A trap door normally conceals and thereby prevents unauthorized access to the dispense nozzle, wherein the trap door is retracted upon operation of the control panel to expose the dispense nozzle and permit water dispensing to the bottle. In addition, the vending machine includes an improved door lock assembly including a square-shaped and rotatable main lock cartridge seated in a locked condition within a matingly shaped lock case, wherein this door lock assembly provides improved security locking of a machine access door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Bruce D. Burrows
  • Patent number: 6068305
    Abstract: A lock assembly for a vending machine is provided for locking and unlocking a movable door of the vending machine with a remotely controlled electronic latching mechanism. The lock assembly includes at least one keeper assembly disposed on the door of the vending machine and at least one latching mechanism disposed within the interior of the vending machine and positioned for selective interaction and engagement with the keeper assembly when the door is moved between open, intermediate, and closed positions. When the door is moved from the open position toward the intermediate position, the latching mechanism captures the keeper assembly. Once captured, the latching mechanism is then withdrawn within the vending machine to pull the door into the closed position wherein a gasket disposed between the door and the vending machine is substantially uniformly compressed and sealed around its periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Fort Lock Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Myers, William D. Denison, Paul D. Caplinger, Calin V. Roatis
  • Patent number: 6041627
    Abstract: A latch of the pull-up type for attaching one member to another, such as cabinet door to a cabinet, is unlatched and latched by turning the latch handle in one direction or the other. When the door is in a latched position, rotating the unlatching direction initially causing a spring-biased member carrying a latching pawl to move axially inward and away from the engaging surface. The inward movement of the shaft is permitted because a cam in the latch body is moved rotationally to present downwardly sloping cam surfaces of second cam member. An adjustable pawl member is provided which can be positioned to operate over a range of distances relative to the latch body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Stuart Buckland
  • Patent number: 6038892
    Abstract: A keylock assembly including both a keylock device for locking a door to a chassis frame and a securing device for securing the door to the chassis frame so that the door can be secured to the chassis frame without having to lock the door. The chassis may house a computer system that includes a processor and a peripheral device. The keylock device includes a latch member and a keylock wherein the securing device includes a threaded portion screwed into the keylock to attach the latch member to the keylock. One example of a securing device attached to the keylock device is a ball stud. To secure the door to the chassis frame, the ball stud engages a corresponding structure, such as a two pronged clip, when the door is in a closed position with respect to the chassis frame. The door may be removably and pivotally attached to the housing frame via a hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventor: Ty. R. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6036203
    Abstract: A tool dolly comprising a hand truck frame having a pair of wheels rotatably mounted on an axle in connection with a vertical frame wherein a cabinet is attached to the vertical frame. The cabinet incorporates a variety of compartments for holding useful tools and the like and a portable light source. The compartments are provided with an alarm device for independently alarming each of the compartments separately. A number of keys are provided for disabling each of the compartment alarms so that more than one user can independently access a compartment. Each lock for each compartment is provided with an indicator diode that indicates the user who last accessed the compartment. This feature helps locate tools that should be placed within the compartment but that are currently out and in use by another workman.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventors: Sierra Tyus, Yolounda Tyus
  • Patent number: 5946953
    Abstract: A storage cabinet is disclosed having a frame and a drawer movable with respect to the frame and a locking system. The locking system includes an input device having an output link movable along a path between a raised position and a lowered position and a lock blade (or coupling link) coupled to the output link of the input device, an output end and a fulcrum point. The locking system also has a lockbar coupled to the lock blade, a first locking element associated with the lockbar, and a second locking element associated with the drawer to be engaged by the first locking element. When the input device drives the output link to the raised position, the input end of the lock blade is raised and the lock blade pivots about the fulcrum point so that the output end of the lock blade is lowered and the lockbar disengages the first locking element from the second locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Feldpausch (incapacitated)
  • Patent number: 5845524
    Abstract: A lock assembly comprises a plunger reciprocally mounted in a support means, a spring for biasing the plunger in an unlock direction and for holding the plunger in an unlock position, the plunger being movable against the spring bias into a lock position, and link members for holding the plunger in the lock position. The assembly further includes a solenoid having a shaft adapted to operate the link members to release the plunger from the lock position to permit the plunger to be moved by the spring to the unlock position, and an entry console in electrical communication with the solenoid and operable to send an unlock signal to the solenoid upon entry of a selected entry signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph E. Koehler
  • Patent number: 5805074
    Abstract: An electronic interlock for locking a file cabinet (10, 100) and for limiting the number of drawers (14, 114) to be accessed at any given time. An input keyboard (20, 120) receives an input code to be compared with a prestored access code. If the codes do not match, an unlock signal is not produced. If the input code matches the access code, a processor (28, 148) renders the storage assembly (10, 110) accessible. The processor (28, 128) will receive a drawer selection number from the input keyboard (20, 120) user and will unlock a lock (16, 116) associated with the selected drawer (14, 114). Sensors (34, 134) sense the position of the drawers (14, 114) and disable the processor (28, 128) when one of the drawers (14, 114) is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Meridian Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward L. Warren, David E. Miller, James Arter