Abstract: A hook bolt for a latch assembly includes a hook that deploys laterally from a deadbolt when the deadbolt is moved to an extended position. When the deadbolt is actuated, the hook automatically deploys perpendicular to the deadbolt movement to an engaged position within a corresponding opening in a door jamb to secure the door.

Abstract: Lock systems are disclosed. The lock system may include a lock unit and a separate base station. The lock unit may include one or more components maintained in a powered-off and/or low-power standby state when not in use. The lock unit may include a sound receiver. The lock unit may activate power to one or more components unit after detecting a predetermined activation sound transmitted by a sound transmitter on the base station. The lock unit and base station may include wireless communicators to communicate signals and/or information between the lock unit and base station after the lock unit is powered on. To conserve power, a lock unit may power down after a predetermined action has been completed, communication of a power down signal, and/or after a predetermined time period has elapsed.

Abstract: Various door locks and their methods of operation are described. In one embodiment, one or more capacitors are discharged to power one or more electrical loads of a door lock and then charged by one or more associated power sources. During this type of operation, a voltage of the one or more capacitors may cyclically vary between a first voltage threshold and a second voltage threshold. Methods related to estimating an amount of energy provided to the one or more capacitors using time measurements are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the emission of gases and/or flames emitted from one or more electrochemical cells are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, gas emitted from an electrochemical cell located within an interior of an enclosure may be flowed through a flow restriction to reduce a pressure and/or temperature of the gas and/or the gas may be flowed through a catalyst prior to exiting through an outlet of the enclosure.

Abstract: A method for managing light energy received from at least one light source by at least one light sensor in an access control system. The method comprises receiving light energy by the at least one light sensor, measuring the amount of light energy received by an energy harvesting manager interconnected with an access control device, and determining whether the measured amount of light energy is above a predetermined threshold. If the measured amount of light energy is above the predetermined threshold, the method comprises converting the light energy into harvested energy by at least one energy harvester. If the measured amount of light energy is not above the predetermined threshold, the method comprises adjusting the amount of light energy available to the at least one light sensor from the at least one light source until the predetermined threshold is reached.

Abstract: A configurable electrical connector key for connecting an electronic door lock to an external unit, such as a lock monitoring or control system, includes a connector key housing shaped to engage the electronic door lock and a configurable circuit mounted within the connector key housing that makes a configured interconnection between selected components within the door lock and the external unit. The combination of an electrical connector key and an electronic door lock and a system and method including multiple differently configured electrical connector keys and one or more standardized electronic door locks allow selected sensors and functions of the door lock to enabled by selecting an appropriately configured electrical connector key.

Abstract: An electronic entry device such as a door lock includes a display that uses substantially no power when a static image is presented. Such a display can be “always on” and be used to display information to users of the entry device on a continuous basis. In some embodiments, the persistent display is an e-ink display. In some embodiments, the persistent display may present a scannable code, such as a QR code, that is statically displayed on the persistent display when a new product is unboxed. The persistent display can also present weather, news, scheduling, or other information.

Abstract: An electronic circuit to capture legacy lock controller pulses and reduce the energy consumed. The legacy pulse is captured, converted to power to power the circuit and the direction of the pulse—polarity—is determined. A substitute pulse is created at lower power and sent to a motor actuator in the lock. The total power consumed is substantially reduced by reducing the duration and voltage of the pulse. In the preferred design, the circuit also detects control voltages for solenoid locks and produces suitable control signals for a motor actuator.

Abstract: Locks, systems and methods of monitoring a lock, the lock having a hub with a slot rotatable by a handle to open and close a latchbolt. A locking member is moveable into and out of engagement with the hub slot to prevent and permit movement of the hub and latchbolt. A sensor on the lock, adjacent the hub and locking member, monitors a moving lock component. The sensor may sense the position of the locking member in or out of engagement with the hub slot. The sensor may be a reed switch actuated by a magnet on the moving lock component. The lock may further include a magnet mounted on the hub and the sensor may comprise a reed switch capable of being actuated by the magnet on the hub. The lock and system may include an external control unit having an alarm for controlling operation of the lock.

Abstract: An electronic lock with power failure control circuit includes a lock mechanism having a latchbolt movable between extended and retracted positions and an electrically powered lock actuator to lock and unlock the latchbolt. The power failure control circuit includes a microcontroller and the lock is connected to a primary power source and an auxiliary power source, preferably supercapacitors and charger that can be turned on by the microcontroller and off when the charger signals a full charge. A power monitor circuit detects low voltage on the primary power supply and sets a power failure interrupt causing the microcontroller to execute power failure instructions that control the actuator so that the lock is placed into a desired locked or unlocked final state during the power failure. Upon detection of the return of good power, the system resets the lock.

Abstract: An interconnected lock for use on a door, where the lock has adjustable offset spacing between a deadbolt and latchbolt. The lock includes first and second shafts for actuating the deadbolt lock mechanism, at different offset spacings. A linkage arm connected to and moveable by the latchbolt actuator is alternately connectable to rotate either the first or second deadbolt-actuating shaft. The linkage arm has first and second upper positions, for alternate connection to rotate the first and second deadbolt-actuating shafts, respectively. Upon operation of the interior actuator, the linkage arm moves the deadbolt along the second axis from the latched to the unlatched position at the same time that the operation of the interior actuator moves the latchbolt along the first axis from the latched to the unlatched position.

Abstract: Locks, systems and methods of monitoring a lock, the lock having a hub with a slot rotatable by a handle to open and close a latchbolt. A locking member is moveable into and out of engagement with the hub slot to prevent and permit movement of the hub and latchbolt. A sensor on the lock, adjacent the hub and locking member, monitors a moving lock component. The sensor may sense the position of the locking member in or out of engagement with the hub slot. The sensor may be a reed switch actuated by a magnet on the moving lock component. The lock may further include a magnet mounted on the hub and the sensor may comprise a reed switch capable of being actuated by the magnet on the hub. The lock and system may include an external control unit having an alarm for controlling operation of the lock.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling access through a door are provided. Certain of the systems and methods described herein include a detection sensor that detects the proximity or contact by a user to a door handle or other portion of a door. According to one aspect, upon detection of such proximity or contact, a reader is controlled to change from a low power mode to an operational mode to read a credential. According to another aspect, upon detection of such proximity or contact, an access notification system generates a perceptible signal inside the access-controlled location that a user is at the door.

Abstract: An electric latch retraction device for vertical rod door latches includes an automatic adjustment feature including a limit switch and a linear sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, which detects vertical position. A microcontroller monitors the vertical position of a pivoting retraction lever driven at the pivot by a linear driver. The housing for the electric latch retraction device is preferably external to the door and one end of the retraction lever extends into the door to drive a vertical rod door latch mechanism while an opposed end contacts the limit switch to signal that continued driving of the linear driver will begin to drive the vertical rod door latch. The microcontroller determines from the vertical position of the retraction lever when the limit switch is actuated whether the electric latch retraction device is mounted too high or too low.

Abstract: A delayed egress exit push rail system for a door has a push rail movable relative to a housing between a home position and a second position to open the door, a sensor for determining the position of the push rail as the push rail moves between the home position and the second position and a controller connected to the sensor. The sensor detects a current position of the push rail in the home position and the controller determines if the current position of the push rail detected by the sensor is within a predetermined acceptable range of positions relative to the home position. If the controller determines that the current position of the push rail is outside of the predetermined range, the controller unlocks the door for immediate egress, relays an error message via light or sound and/or communicates with a remote monitoring device.