Abstract: An electromagnetically activated mechanism has mechanical input and output members, at least one of which cooperates with the armature of an electromagnet which is energisable to prevent or limit movement of that member. The electromagnet and its armature are located so that when the electromagnet is de-energized the armature can be urged by the aforesaid one member towards a position in which the magnetic gap between the armature and the electromagnet is a minimum.
Abstract: An electronic lock for a door includes a built-in generator (20) for generating electrical energy for operating an electronic code recognition circuit and energizing a lock-release solenoid when appropriate. The generator (20) is linked to the door handle spindle (31) via a resilient mechanical energy storage device (24) which is "wound up" during the initial part of turning of the handle and tripped at a predetermined point to release stored energy into the generator (20).