Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methodologies for achieving current inventory data management with an electronic access control system. An access control system provides access control data while a sealed enclosure incorporates an RFID reading system for determining the identity of respective tagged contents therein. Particularly in conjunction with the storage of controlled substances, such as some drugs utilized on an EMS vehicle, a tamper evident RFID tag is fully or partially destroyed or damaged, or otherwise impacted or affected so as to generate a changed ID, whenever the contained medicinal dosage is acquired for administration. Specific container/cap combinations accommodate various drug dosages, and are combinable with tamper evident RFID tags. Usage of tagged drugs may be tracked by reading narcotics box contents before and after a work shift. Intra-shift access and usage reports at each point of consumption maintains a complete record of custody of control.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methodologies for achieving current inventory data management with an electronic access control system. An access control system provides access control data while a sealed enclosure incorporates an RFID reading system for determining the identity of respective tagged contents therein. Particularly in conjunction with the storage of controlled substances, such as some drugs utilized on an EMS vehicle, a tamper evident RFID tag is fully or partially destroyed or damaged, or otherwise impacted or affected so as to generate a changed ID, whenever the contained medicinal dosage is acquired for administration. Specific container/cap combinations accommodate various drug dosages, and are combinable with tamper evident RFID tags. Usage of tagged drugs may be tracked by reading narcotics box contents before and after a work shift. Intra-shift access and usage reports at each point of consumption maintains a complete record of custody of control.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and corresponding and associated methodologies for achieving current inventory data management in combination with an electronic access control system. An access control system provides access control data while the sealed enclosure incorporates an RFID reading system for determining the identity of respective tagged contents within the enclosure. Particularly in conjunction with the storage of controlled substances, such as some drugs utilized on an EMS vehicle, a form of RFID tag may be practiced which operationally is fully or partially destroyed or damaged, or otherwise impacted or affected so as to generate a changed ID, whenever the contained medicinal dosage is acquired for administration. By reading contents of the enclosure (narc box) prior to a work shift, and at the conclusion of the work shift, comprising tracking comparative methodology, usage of the tagged drugs may be tracked.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methodologies for achieving current inventory data management with an electronic access control system. An access control system provides access control data while a sealed enclosure incorporates an RFID reading system for determining the identity of respective tagged contents therein. Particularly in conjunction with the storage of controlled substances, such as some drugs utilized on an EMS vehicle, a tamper evident RFID tag is fully or partially destroyed or damaged, or otherwise impacted or affected so as to generate a changed ID, whenever the contained medicinal dosage is acquired for administration. Specific container/cap combinations accommodate various drug dosages, and are combinable with tamper evident RFID tags. Usage of tagged drugs may be tracked by reading narcotics box contents before and after a work shift. Intra-shift access and usage reports at each point of consumption maintains a complete record of custody of control.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for a compression clamped exhaust catalyst which is incorporated into a marine exhaust header. A serviceable exhaust catalyst is compression clamped and sealed inside an enclosure associated with a marine exhaust system while still maintaining serviceability. The catalyst is seated on an inset bead or ring on the inside of the enclosure. A ring cooperates with the enclosure to clamp a mating exhaust pipe, with a gasket situated between the two. Other structures are provided to compress the catalyst in the enclosure as it is sealed. As seated, the exhaust catalyst is held into place with a compression fit to limit its longitudinal movement while still remaining accessible for servicing.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for the attachment of a self-contained module to any mechanical lock having a mating feature to accept it (in either of an OEM application or as a retrofit). The module enables a separate (preexisting) cam locking feature (components) to be associated with an existing mechanical lock by being fitted onto the back of the existing lock and then having the cam locking components attached to the module. In turn, the preexisting cam locking components may be fitted to the module aligned in any one of four positions (up, down, left, and right) on the back of the module for latching in any position in which the associated lock/cam strike may be installed. The cam locking components then function to allow a user to open an associated door or drawer, and when finished, slam it shut without having to rotate the lock back to a locked position.

Abstract: A self-contained combination latch and cam lock adapter module affixes to the rear of any lock (keyed or non-keyed) that has a requisite mating feature. The module is alignable in any of four positions (up, down, left, and right) on the back of the lock for latching in any installed position. The module allows a user to slam closed an associated door or drawer without having to rotate the lock into a locked position. The module retrofits in the field by removing and replacing an existing fixed cam. In one embodiment, a mating part is rotationally spring-loaded so that when the key or knob is turned and then released, the module automatically returns to its locked position, ready to be shut.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for fine tuning the fit and function of a cam lock used to secure an enclosure or similar. A cam lock is provided with a cam and a set of variously sized adjustment pads that may be individually secured at one end of the cam. The adjustment pads each differ in thickness, and are installable on the cam without the need of tools. The variously sized adjustment pads allow field installation and adjustment of the position of cam contact surfaces to easily and quickly adjust positioning for spacing variations due to manufacturing tolerances. Such customized installation provides improved security, reduced noise and rattle of the enclosure door, and a more professional aspect to the installation.

Abstract: A self-contained latch module in combination with a pusher and catch (collectively “latch assembly”) allows for the locking of two doors with a single lock. The latch module contains two spring-loaded bolts, one active and one passive. Pushing the active bolt into the latch housing, the passive bolt extends out of the opposite side of the latch housing. Pushing onto the passive bolt in the direction of the latch housing while the active bolt is depressed will allow the passive bolt to retract into the housing without affecting the active bolt on the opposite side. This allows a user to slam closed the associated doors in any order. The self-latching nature of this latch assembly allows for the automatic latching of the cabinet doors without having to manually latch one of the doors before locking the other.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for the attachment of a self-contained module to any mechanical lock having a mating feature to accept it (in either of an OEM application or as a retrofit). The module enables a separate (preexisting) cam locking feature (components) to be associated with an existing mechanical lock by being fitted onto the back of the existing lock and then having the cam locking components attached to the module. In turn, the preexisting cam locking components may be fitted to the module aligned in any one of four positions (up, down, left, and right) on the back of the module for latching in any position in which the associated lock/cam strike may be installed. The cam locking components then function to allow a user to open an associated door or drawer, and when finished, slam it shut without having to rotate the lock back to a locked position.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for securing access to an underground device through use of a locking mechanism to secure the fill cap on underground liquid storage tanks for refined petroleum products such as situated at typical end user fueling stations. A protective shell with integral vapor sealing cap is provided with a three point toggle mechanism, to prevent theft, willful contamination, or other unauthorized access to the underground storage tank fill cap for any purpose while maintaining a vapor seal to prevent the release of the vapor from the tank contents.

Abstract: Hub-based electronic lock systems and devices relate to lock or access control systems, and more particularly to electronically controlled lock systems such as may be applied to various storage enclosures or cabinets to provide secure storage of various items, equipment, materials, and/or information within the enclosures or cabinets. Certain present aspects may relate to hub and/or daisy-chained control for a plurality of electronic locks used in an electronic access control system, for inventory management using electronic locks, and/or to electronic locks with various features including display screens, access controls and tracking, and alert capabilities.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodologies for data control in an electronic access control system. A plurality of electronic locks are connected to a central server over a network such as an 802.11 WiFi wireless network that may be used to provide data updates and management for the individual electronic locks. To address power management problems associated with electronic locks having the capability to communicate over an 802.11 WiFi network, the present disclosure provides method and apparatus for selectively powering on and off an 802.11 WiFi communications module integrated into the electronic lock to conserve power resources. An electronic access control system is disclosed which allows efficient data exchange between a central server and a plurality of electronic locks using a database structure, and which allows for multiple simultaneous database manipulations in a cost effective manner.

Abstract: A self-contained latch module in combination with a pusher and catch (collectively “latch assembly”) allows for the locking of two doors with a single lock. The latch module contains two spring-loaded bolts, one active and one passive. Pushing the active bolt into the latch housing, the passive bolt extends out of the opposite side of the latch housing. Pushing onto the passive bolt in the direction of the latch housing while the active bolt is depressed will allow the passive bolt to retract into the housing without affecting the active bolt on the opposite side. This allows a user to slam closed the associated doors in any order. The self-latching nature of this latch assembly allows for the automatic latching of the cabinet doors without having to manually latch one of the doors before locking the other.

Abstract: A self-contained combination latch and cam lock adapter module affixes to the rear of any lock (keyed or non-keyed) that has a requisite mating feature. The module is alignable in any of four positions (up, down, left, and right) on the back of the lock for latching in any installed position. The module allows a user to slam closed an associated door or drawer without having to rotate the lock into a locked position. The module retrofits in the field by removing and replacing an existing fixed cam. In one embodiment, a mating part is rotationally spring-loaded so that when the key or knob is turned and then released, the module automatically returns to its locked position, ready to be shut.

Abstract: Apparatus and methodology for providing electronic access control are disclosed. In an exemplary configuration, a retrofittable electronic lock can be used to provide secure storage to an enclosure. A user interface and LCD visual display can be provided to permit convenient adjustment of system operational parameters. In certain embodiments, the electronic access control system includes master-slave control capabilities. In other embodiments, the electronic access control system includes inventory management capability. In still other embodiments, apparatus and methodologies provide the secure storage of the enclosure when the enclosure is being moved or otherwise transported from one location to another location. Various alternative arrangements may provide various alert features, as well as battery features which facilitate rapid replacement and/or reconfiguration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a convertible motorized latch that may be configured in either of a slam latch or a dead bolt latch configuration, just by desired selection and replacement of a minimal number of components, and which may be used on new (oem) equipment or in retrofit applications. In either preferred configuration, an electric motor contained within the latch housing operates to open or unlock the latch. Latch closure may be provided by spring actuation in a slam configuration or by further motor operation in a dead bolt configuration. Either present configuration may make use of an electrical feedback switch for signaling latch retraction while the dead bolt configuration may also include a second electrical feedback switch for signaling latch extension. A gear train may be incorporated within the latch housing to provide reduced speed and increased torque from the electric motor.

Abstract: A latch apparatus for providing secure storage to an enclosure is disclosed. The latch apparatus can include an actuating device that operates to lock or unlock the latch apparatus in response to a control signal. The control signal can be communicated to the latch apparatus through an RF or other transmitted signal or through hardwires connecting the latch apparatus to the remote device. The latch apparatus can be maintained in either a locked state or an unlocked state without having to continuously supply power to the latch apparatus. The latch apparatus can include a latch hook that can be detent biased to both the open position and the closed position while the latch apparatus is in either a locked state or an unlocked state. The latch hook can move from the open position to the closed position while the latch apparatus is in a locked state. The latch apparatus can also have a thickness such that the latch apparatus will fit in the gap in which drawer slide hardware for an enclosure is installed.

Abstract: A lock system is disclosed. The lock system includes a lock and one or more keys. The lock includes a plurality of tumblers configured for interaction with associated key features. A tumbler includes at least two sections and defines at least two contact points. One contact point is configured to interact with a feature included on either of an operator key or a master key, while the other contact point is configured to interact with a feature included on a separate key. A key according to the present disclosure includes features configured to interact with a contact point on each tumbler, such as with only one of the two contact points. One of the keys may include channels defined on surfaces thereof. Such channels accommodate the set of contact points that the features of such key are not interacting with, allowing access to and interaction with the appropriate set of contact points.

Abstract: Disclosed is a convertible motorized latch that may be configured in either of a slam latch or a dead bolt latch configuration, just by desired selection and replacement of a minimal number of components, and which may be used on new (oem) equipment or in retrofit applications. In either preferred configuration, an electric motor contained within the latch housing operates to open or unlock the latch. Latch closure may be provided by spring actuation in a slam configuration or by further motor operation in a dead bolt configuration. Either present configuration may make use of an electrical feedback switch for signaling latch retraction while the dead bolt configuration may also include a second electrical feedback switch for signaling latch extension. A gear train may be incorporated within the latch housing to provide reduced speed and increased torque from the electric motor.