Patents Examined by Lloyd A. Gall
  • Authentication and unlocking system and method utilizing magnetic actuation
    Patent number: 10627178
    Abstract: A magnetically actuated authentication and unlocking system is provided that is particularly suited for integration into a firearm, but that can also be incorporated into any device that requires an operator to hold a grip, handle or stick controller. The system includes a locking mechanism that is installed in a device and an unlocking mechanism that is preferably incorporated into wearable gear, such as a glove. The system utilizes magnets in the locking mechanism and unlocking mechanism, such that when a user wearing an unlock mechanism encoded with the correct magnetic “key” holds the device with the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism unlocks the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Pahmet LLC
    Inventors: Peter Hofleitner, Martin Tross
  • Keyless lock system
    Patent number: 10619382
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a lock system, comprising a lock assembly that includes a hasp and an interlock mechanism detachably engaging with the hasp. Further included is a latch system that latches the interlock mechanism in a lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Inventors: Gregory Waugh, Matthew Watson Yuen, Joshua Fleagane
  • Anti-barricading thumb turn assembly for a door lockset
    Patent number: 10612273
    Abstract: An anti-barricading thumb turn assembly is configured for use with a lockset including a bolt movable to lock and unlock a door. The anti-barricading thumb turn assembly includes a spindle connected to a thumb turn with a biasing member on one side of the lockset. The lockset is also operable by a key from the other side of the door to lock and unlock the door. Under normal operation, the spindle and thumb turn rotate as the bolt is locked and unlocked. In a barricading situation in which the thumb turn is held in an attempt to prevent the spindle from rotating, the biasing member allows the spindle to rotate relative to the thumb turn upon application of sufficient force through rotation of the key to overcome the biasing force and unlock the bolt even if the thumb turn is held stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Adam M. Litwinski, Douglas A. Holmes
  • Rekeyable lock cylinder with enhanced torque resistance
    Patent number: 10612271
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder with a cylinder body and a plug assembly. The lock cylinder includes a plurality of key followers and a corresponding plurality of racks disposed in the plug assembly. The lock cylinder includes, for example, a locking bar for blocking rotation of the plug assembly with respect to the cylinder body to prevent unlocking of the rekeyable lock cylinder with an unauthorized object. In some embodiments, the locking bar is configured such that torqueing the plug assembly with an unauthorized object applies force to the locking bar without translating such force to the plurality of racks. This type of arrangement enhances torque resistance of the lock cylinder against attempted forced entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Spectrum Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Hanna Farag, Jack Zhang, Mark S. Bloom, James Lin
  • Lock assembly for securing a storage container
    Patent number: 10604968
    Abstract: The method comprises a technique for securing a storage container to a fixed structure or object. The steps include providing a container having a compartment for storage and a lid for covering the container. The container is located near the fixed structure, such as a truck bed. The container is secured to the structure with a first lock having a first lock body and a cable by using a key. The lid of the container is secured to the container using a second lock, the second lock having a second lock body and a shackle. Though the two locks are different, they each use the same key to lock and unlock each lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: COMMANDO LOCK COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick Smith
  • Cam lock with a closure element which can be fixed to a locking shaft at different heights
    Patent number: 10604966
    Abstract: A casement lock (1) includes an actuation lug (2); a locking shaft (3) coupled to the actuation lug (2) and having two opposite flattened axial regions (5) at a free end (4) of the locking shaft and a circumferential profiling (6) between the flattened axial regions (5); and a cage (8) supporting a closure element (7) configured to be placed with an opening (9) on the free end (4) of the locking shaft (3) and fixed to the locking shaft (3). A locking element (14) is provided on the cage (8), which, in a locking position, secures the cage (8) on the locking shaft (3) against tilting. In a release position of the locking element (14), the cage (8) can be tilted relative to the locking shaft (3) and is moveable in an axial direction along the locking shaft (3) only in a state when tilted relative to the locking shaft (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: EMKA Beschlagteile GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Backhaus, Murat Malkoc
  • Tamper-resistant lock
    Patent number: 10597906
    Abstract: A locking system includes a tamper-resistant lock and key. The tamper-resistant lock can include a cylindrical lock body with an upper portion having an engagement surface defining a pattern of engagement features, a housing, and a hidden component sized and shaped to fit within the housing that includes an internal lock base into which the cylindrical lock body fastens and a padlock pin configured to secure the internal lock base to a hasp or staple. The key operable for use with the tamper-resistant lock can include a cylindrical key body defining an engagement cavity configured to receive the engagement surface of the cylindrical lock body, a set of complementary engagement features, a plurality of retractable engagement members, and a retractable collar at least partially covering the cylindrical key body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: ENGBAR INC
    Inventors: Eddy Engibarov, Larrie Thomas, Dontcho Denkov
  • Restroom stall firearm receptacle
    Patent number: 10591248
    Abstract: An example firearm receptacle includes a mounting structure, a firearm holder, and a door stopper. The mounting structure is configured to be fixably mounted to one of a wall or a door. The door stopper is configured to transition between a deployed position and a stowed position. In the example embodiment, the door stopper is configured to impede the opening of the door when the door stopper is in the deployed position and to allow the opening of the door when the door stopper is in the stowed position. The door stopper is additionally configured to prevent the door stopper from transitioning to the stowed position when a firearm is disposed in the firearm holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventor: Ned Forrest Christiansen
  • Detent star wheel for a steering column of a motor vehicle and method for producing the same
    Patent number: 10589714
    Abstract: A latching star wheel for a steering lock of a motor vehicle may have a hollow profile with a longitudinal axis and a plurality of latching recesses that can be brought into engagement with a locking bar of the steering lock that can be moved between a locking position and an unlocking position. The latching recesses may be configured as projections. An inner surface of the latching star wheel may be configured as a contact surface that is circularly perforated in a circumferential contour. The latching recesses may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis across a full length of the latching star wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Sebastian Huber, Jürgen Lampert
  • Compact bike lock
    Patent number: 10577833
    Abstract: An exemplary shackle is configured for use with a crossbar having a pair of openings and a locking mechanism including a pair of deadbolts. The shackle includes a substantially flat plate portion having a length in a longitudinal direction, a width in a transverse direction, and a thickness along a lateral axis defining a proximal direction and a distal direction. The length is greater than the width, which is greater than the thickness. The shackle further includes a pair of longitudinally-offset legs extending distally from the plate portion. Each leg has a diameter, and includes a bumper and a notch positioned distally of the bumper. An offset distance is defined between the distal surface of the plate portion and the distal faces of the bumpers. The width of the plate portion is greater than each of the diameter and the offset distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Ravi Telang, Kavya Madhusudhan
  • Motor gear drive release
    Patent number: 10577831
    Abstract: Mechanically or electromechanically positioning a deadbolt used to lock or unlock a door is disclosed. An electromechanical lock can include a deadbolt to be positioned to lock or unlock a door. The deadbolt can be mechanically positioned based on the rotation of a paddle of the electromechanical lock or electromechanically positioned via a motor being turned on to position the deadbolt. A disengagement mechanism can disengage an engagement cog from a worm gear hub of a gear train of the motor upon the mechanical positioning, but remain engaged upon the electromechanical positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: LEVEL HOME, INC.
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
  • Lockout system for energy sources
    Patent number: 10570644
    Abstract: A lockout system includes a hasp assembly and a plurality of tags. The hasp assembly has a back plate defining slots each sized and shaped to receive a tag. The back plate and tags each have openings that align when a tag is received in a slot. A first hasp portion on the back plate defines part of a closed loop. A longitudinal locking bar is slidable along the back plate and has notches shaped to receive ends of the tags. Moving the locking bar between an unlocked position and a locked position operates the second hasp portion between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the first and second hasp portions complete and define the closed loop, where one or more tags can be installed in slots with the first end of the tag engaging a notch to lock closed the hasp portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: Jason P. Griffin
  • Ceramic spine security cable
    Patent number: 10563431
    Abstract: A cable lock including a lock body having a locking mechanism with a locked state and an unlocked state. A ceramic body cable includes a plurality of nested ceramic bodies and a cord, wherein each one of the plurality of ceramic bodies includes a center portion having an aperture. Each aperture of the plurality of nested ceramic bodies forms a channel through which the cord is positioned. Each of the ceramic bodies also includes a projection and a space such that the projection of one of the ceramic bodies overlaps the space of an adjacent ceramic body. A mesh sleeve is positioned on an exterior of the ceramic body cable and a shrunken heat shrinkable tube is positioned over the mesh sleeve. The combined ceramic body cable, mesh sleeve, and shrunken heat shrinkable tube are coupled to the lock body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Douglas A. Holmes, Daniel H. Kindstrand, Jonah S. Eidman, Gideon Hou, Thomas Y. Liu, Ryan T. Stolz
  • Security apparatus including a remote actuator assembly
    Patent number: 10563432
    Abstract: A security apparatus for a portable electronic device includes a cable having a length, a first end, and a second end. The security apparatus also includes a lock head coupled to the first end of the cable. The lock head is configured to selectively engage the portable electronic device and is movable by the cable between a first position, in which the lock head is secured to the portable electronic device, and a second position, in which the lock head is unsecured from the portable electronic device. The security apparatus further includes an actuator assembly coupled to the second end of the cable and spaced a distance from the lock head along the length of the cable. The actuator assembly is operable to actuate the cable to move the lock head between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: ACCO Brands Corporation
    Inventors: James Kao, John Hung, Bruce Fitz-Earle, Mike Otsuka, William De Meulenaere
  • Indicator lever
    Patent number: 10563425
    Abstract: An indicator assembly for a lock assembly in which rotation of an indicator barrel having different indicator symbols is facilitated via magnetic forces. Upon locking of the lock assembly, such as via a push button assembly, an actuator is linearly displaced in a first direction, thereby causing an activation pin that is connected to the actuator to push an activation carrier in the first direction. The activation carrier can also be rotated so that a first pole of a first magnet that is coupled to the activation carrier is linearly and rotatably brought into closer proximity to a similar first pole of a second magnet that is coupled to the indicator barrel. Such displacement of the first magnet can cause a repelling force to be provided between the first and second magnets that facilitates the rotation of the indicator barrel about the lever from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Drake Lunday
  • Latch assembly for a sliding door
    Patent number: 10550607
    Abstract: A latch assembly 1 and a latch set 1, 2, 3, 4 for use with a sliding door frame 6. The latch assembly 1 includes a housing 48, 49, and a bolt 17 pivotable relative to the housing 48, 49 on rotation of either one of a pair of actuator hubs 51, 52. The latch assembly 1 also includes a pair of locking hubs, 53, 54 which are also rotatable to adjust the lock mechanism between an active condition and an inactive condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Matthew Lin
  • Sliding lockable housing with supplemental openings
    Patent number: 10544605
    Abstract: Described herein is a lockable housing having a base portion and a mated sliding portion. In particular embodiments, the base portion supports a shaft with a free end that is received into the sliding portion when the housing is closed. The housing may include one or more spacers sized for releasable placement around the shaft, thereby reducing the open area near the shaft and increasing security. The housing features a shackle window for receiving a locking element such as a padlock. The housing also features one or more supplemental openings for receiving a secondary element such as a cable that can be used to secure other items or equipment when the housing is closed and locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Inventors: Douglas A. Yates, Edward J. Gross, Steven R. Jones, Kevin Keller
  • Handcuff with separate cheek frame half cavity portions combining to form lockset cavity
    Patent number: 10538942
    Abstract: A handcuff with separate cheek frame halves, each having a lockset cavity portion, with the two lockset cavity portions combining to form a lockset cavity when the two cheek frame halves are joined. An embodiment includes a lighter but stronger rigid pair of handcuffs that includes integral side plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Armament Systems And Procedures, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Parsons, Siu Ngai Wang
  • Locks for storage containers and the like
    Patent number: 10538941
    Abstract: Locks for storage containers having closures such as doors, covers or lids are disclosed. The lock is mounted to she 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: TriTeq Luck and Security, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Calin V. Roatis, Gabriel Ribu, William Denison
  • Electronic locking device
    Patent number: 10533345
    Abstract: An electronic locking device including a cylinder and a plug located in the cylinder. Within the plug is a solenoid with a pair of shuttles which move in opposite directions. A control processor controls the solenoids activating the shuttles when connected to the correct key. Blocking elements for each shuttle are inserted through the cylinder and into annular channels in the plug. The blocking elements receive and allow linear movement of the shuttles but prevent their rotation within the annular channels. In a locked condition the shuttles are contained only partially within the annular channels thereby preventing rotation of the plug within the cylinder but in an unlocked condition the shuttles are contained within the annular channels thereby allowing rotation of the plug. The plug also includes a weakness defining a point at which it will break upon application of excessive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: HENRY SQUIRE & SONS HOLDINGS LTD
    Inventor: Glyn Green