Abstract: Access control electronics for wireless locks comprise one or more battery operated radios that receive access control codes. The wireless accessed locks locate the electronic components, circuits, sensors and antennas and many of the lock components away from the container being secured and closer to the operator/user. The disclosed access control electronics combine a proximity detection circuit comprising sensor pads and a capacitive sensing circuit and one or more short-range radio frequency antennas for reading RFID devices. The proximity sensor pads are in close proximity with the antennas, without the antennas interfering with the proximity sensing process, and the sensor pads to not attenuate the signals between the RFID devices and the antennas after the RFID devices are detected.

Abstract: A cooler access control system locks a cooler when occurrence of an event is detected that requires limiting access to the inside of the cooler. Examples of such events include the loss of power to the cooler for a predetermined period of time, the opening of the cooler door for longer than an allowed time, the loss of functionality of a temperature probe and others. In an embodiment, a service mode is supported wherein the door is left unlocked despite the occurrence of such an event, to allow a stocker or other personnel to leave the cooler door open while stocking the cooler with product.

Abstract: Access control electronics tor wireless locks comprise one or more battery operated radios that receive access control codes. The wireless accessed locks locate the electronic components, circuits, sensors and antennas and many of the lock components away from the container being secured and closer to the operator/user. The disclosed access control electronics combine a proximity detection circuit comprising sensor pads and a capacitive sensing circuit and one or more short-range radio frequency antennas for reading RFID devices. The proximity sensor pads are in close proximity with the antennas, without the antennas interfering with the proximity sensing process, and the sensor pads to not attenuate the signals between the RFID devices and the antennas after the RFID devices are detected.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, electronic control is provided for the locking function of Lift-Handle and T-Handle products, while maintaining desirable mechanical latching mechanism functions and operations.

Abstract: Access control electronics for wireless locks comprise one or more battery operated radios that receive access control codes. The wireless accessed locks locate the electronic components, circuits, sensors and antennas and many of the lock components away from the container being secured and closer to the operator/user. The disclosed access control electronics combine a proximity detection circuit comprising sensor pads and a capacitive sensing circuit and one or more short-range radio frequency antennas for reading RFID devices. The proximity sensor pads are in close proximity with the antennas, without the antennas interfering with the proximity sensing process, and the sensor pads to not attenuate the signals between the RFID devices and the antennas after the RFID devices are detected.

Abstract: A cooler access control system locks a cooler when occurrence of an event is detected that requires limiting access to the inside of the cooler. Examples of such events include the loss of power to the cooler for a predetermined period of time, the opening of the cooler door for longer than an allowed time, the loss of functionality of a temperature probe and others. In an embodiment, a service mode is supported wherein the door is left unlocked despite the occurrence of such an event, to allow a stocker or other personnel to leave the cooler door open while stocking the cooler with product. Locking structures for both single door coolers and double door coolers are disclosed.

Abstract: Locks for storage containers having closures such as doors, covers or lids are disclosed. The lock is mounted to the closure and is latched in such a manner as to selectively prevent opening or removal of the closure. The latch of the lock can engage a slot in the storage container, a bracket on the storage container, or a strike on the storage container. Alternatively, the latch can engage a mounting bracket on the door or other portion of the door to selectively block movement of a handle for the door. Further, the latch can have a locking device which can selectively block movement of the latch. Movement of the locking device can be selectively controlled by a magnetic key.

Abstract: An enhanced slide and hook locking mechanism control system for vending machines and the like that utilizes a reversible motor and worm gear drive that operates the slide and book mechanism. The worm drive is coupled to the slide through a crankshaft type of interconnection. Or as alternatives, the slide means can be gear driven or it may be connected using push-pull type of cable or rod. An electronic control with a microcomputer interface drives the motor control and the system may be operated by a keypad or a remote wireless control device.

Abstract: A lock for retrofitting onto a drawer or a door includes a drawer having a front panel. The drawer slidingly engages an item of furniture having a front face that is positioned above the front panel when the drawer is closed. A bracket has a vertically disposed flat front plate, a horizontally disposed fiat top plate, a vertically disposed fiat back plate, and a horizontally disposed motor platform that extends horizontally into an interior of the drawer. A motor having an output shaft is mounted on the motor platform. A latch supported by the motor platform is engaged by the output shaft. The latch is retracted when the drawer is unlocked and is extended to engage an interior side of the front panel of the furniture item when the drawer is locked.

Abstract: An enhanced slide and hook locking mechanism control system for vending machines and the like that utilizes a reversible motor and worm gear drive that operates the slide and book mechanism. The worm drive is coupled to the slide through a crankshaft type of interconnection. Or as alternatives, the slide means can be gear driven or it may be connected using push-pull type of cable or rod. An electronic control with a microcomputer interface drives the motor control and the system may be operated by a keypad or a remote wireless control device.

Abstract: A lock for retrofitting onto a drawer or a door includes a drawer having a front panel. The drawer slidingly engages an item of furniture having a front face that is positioned above the front panel when the drawer is closed. A bracket has a vertically disposed flat front plate, a horizontally disposed flat top plate, a vertically disposed flat back plate, and a horizontally disposed motor platform that extends horizontally into an interior of the drawer. A motor having an output shaft is mounted on the motor platform. A latch supported by the motor platform is engaged by the output shaft. The latch is retracted when the drawer is unlocked and is extended to engage an interior side of the front panel of the furniture item when the drawer is locked.

Abstract: A protective cover for the inner door mounted bill validator bill container of a vending machine or the like has a body including a back wall and four side walls perpendicular to the back wall and the cover is removably attachable to the inner end of a bill validator. A cable affixed to the cover attaches to a portion of the door so as to dangle the cover when it is removed from the bill validator. The cover is preferably made from heavy gauge formed steel.

Abstract: An enhanced slide and hook locking mechanism control system for vending machines and the like that utilizes a reversible motor and worm gear drive that operates the slide and hook mechanism. The worm drive is coupled to the slide through a crankshaft type of interconnection. Or as alternatives, the slide means can be gear driven or it may be connected using push-pull type of cable or rod. An electronic control with a microcomputer interface drives the motor control and the system may be operated by a keypad or a remote wireless control device.

Abstract: An ice dispenser for cubed or crushed ice is presented in a self contained modular design that can be used for commercial and consumer applications. A two-motor system is provided for the auger and ice crusher and features a motor driven bypass gate system with a worm drive to bypass the ice crusher when cubed ice is selected. A flexible bladed paddle at the end of an auger exerts a positive force to push ice into the crusher and touches the wall of a containing duct for reduction of ice jams. The ice crusher employs a unique roller chain sprocket or timing belt and pulley system for greater flexibility in mounting and maintaining compactness. There is also provided an ice chute with two inlet paths and all of the operations are managed by electronic controls which includes monitor means sensing motor current draws to detect an ice jam and programmed control means to rotate said drivers to free an ice jam.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use with a vending machine or the like having a cabinet for containing product to be dispensed, and a door for closing the cabinet. The door is hinged at one side with a hinge pin and socket at least at the lower corner. A protective plate fastens to the machine at the lower corner adjacent the hinge and protects against prying the door open at the hinge location.

Abstract: An enhanced bolt control system for safes and the like utilizes a reversible motor and worm gear drive that operates the deadbolt linkage. An electronic control with a microcomputer interface drives the motor control and the system may be operated by a keypad or a remote wireless control device.

Abstract: A bayonet locking system for vending machines is provided to lock and unlock the machine preferably with a remotely controlled electronic operating unit. It includes at least one motor driven axially and rotationally movable bayonet with an enlarged shaped head being mounted preferably on a gasketed door and at least one receptacle receiving device disposed within the machine interior positioned for engagement by the bayonet when the door is moved to an intermediate position. The bayonet advances into the receptacle and rotates to capture it in the receptacle and then axially retracts to pull the door into the closed position wherein a gasket disposed between the door and the machine is substantially uniformly compressed and sealed around its periphery. An axially rotatable pin with fins may be used with a bracket on either the door or machine to prevent prying of the door at opposite corners.