Patents Examined by Richard E. Moore
  • Patent number: 5152560
    Abstract: A solenoid operated locking means is mounted interiorly of a garage door, so as to provide additional security. The locking means includes a link and bar arrangement connected to the solenoid for opening a normally closed hasp that cooperates with the bar of a locking staple fixed to the top of the garage door. Additionally, if needed, the locking bar of the staple may be manually opened by removing a dowel pin held in position in the staple by means of a frangible element that may be easily broken and replaced, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Inventor: Mark S. Heydendahl
  • Patent number: 5152558
    Abstract: A lockset is adaptable for installation at more than one backset distance including a bolt assembly which has a latch member and a separable drawbar located within a housing assembly, a portion of which is also made up of two relatively movable portions. Operation of the lock is standard in so far as extending and retracting the bolt is concerned, while adjustment of the backset distance is accomplished by simultaneously adjusting the lengths of the bolt assembly and the housing assembly. Visual indication of backset distance is provided as is adaptability without the use of tools. Bolt throw disablement is provided when the lockset is in the transfer position for changing backset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company
    Inventors: William D. Smith, Jaime Galindo
  • Patent number: 5150932
    Abstract: A redundant safety lock for securing a centrifuge lid in its closed position. The lock includes a disc having an aperture through which a striker on the lid can be inserted in an unlocked position. The disc is rotated to a locked position such that the striker cannot be withdrawn through the aperture to open the lid. The weight distribution of the disc is substantially symmetrical about its center of rotation. The disc is therefore less susceptible to dislodging form its locked position upon perturbation from shock experienced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Conn, Benson Kwan
  • Patent number: 5150590
    Abstract: A latch for luggage includes: a housing secured to a base case, a trigger slide slidably held in the housing having a lock core rotatably mounted in the trigger slide provided with a lock bolt operatively biased to be retarded by a limiting block formed in the housing for locking the trigger slide, and a hook latch secured to a cover coverable on the base case for forming a luggage or the like and lockably engageable with a recess portion formed in the trigger slide. The hook latch is normally urged by an ejecting spring formed in the trigger slide so that upon a disengaging of the hook latch from the trigger slide when unlocking the trigger slide, the hook and the luggage cover will be automatically ejected upwardly for a quick opening of a luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Inventor: Chong-Kuan Ling
  • Patent number: 5149157
    Abstract: The locking device is capable selectively of taking up a first operating e for use in the presence of the public in which it provides positive safety unlocking under remote control by interrupting the current feeding an electromagnet, and a second operating mode for use when the public is absent, and which is more secure. The device includes a bolt pivotally mounted about a bolt axis. The pivoting bolt co-operates with a retraction spring which has energy stored therein when the bolt is in its door-closing position, and also with a locking piston which is guided by a guide part to move perpendicularly to the axis. The bolt-locking means includes a toggle mechanism comprising a first link that pivots about a fixed first axis, and a second link hinged about a moving second axis to the first link and about a moving third axis to the piston. The moving second and third axes are parallel to the fixed first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Mecanismes Electroniques Realises Innovation Conception Brevets
    Inventors: Charles M. Laugery, Paul A. Mombelli
  • Patent number: 5149155
    Abstract: A cylindrical lock assembly for mounting in a door panel having a transverse bore includes a lock chassis adapted to fit within the bore which has lever handles on rotatable spindles for actuating a latch bolt. The chassis additionally has a support opening on at least the first side of the door panel. A support plate having a diameter greater than the bore is mounted on each side of the door panel and is non-rotatably secured to the panel. The support plate includes an opening corresponding to and aligned with the chassis support opening. A threaded support plate fastener having a hollow, elongated body with an internal opening extending along its length is adapted to extend through the opening in one of the support plates and into the chassis support opening to non-rotatably secure the chassis to the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Arrow Lock Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ben J. Caeti, Paul Raybary, Boris Grinshpon
  • Patent number: 5149151
    Abstract: An adjustable latch assembly used in a lever lock comprises a shell, a shelf, a rotator, an actuating arm, a positioning and pulling assembly, and a bolt. The shell is attachable to a door. The shelf has a first position and a second position within the shell. The rotator is mountable on the shelf. The actuating arm co-operates with the rotator, so as to be actuated by the rotator when the rotator rotates. The positioning and pulling assembly positions the shelf in the first position or the second position and pulls the bolt inward. The adjustable latch assembly has a first backset when the shelf is at the first position and a second backset when shelf is at a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Inventor: Chao C. Shen
  • Patent number: 5147331
    Abstract: A releasable locking apparatus for securing a closure member to a frame includes a catch plate rigidly secured to the frame, the plate defining a catch. A locking device is pivotally secured to the closure member with the locking means defining an aperture which cooperates with the catch. The arrangement is such that in use of the apparatus, the locking device moves from a first pivotal disposition in which the catch and the aperture are spaced relative to each other to permit movement relative to the frame. The locking means moves to a second disposition in which the catch and the aperture cooperate together so that the locking means rides upon the plate. The locking device moves to a third disposition in which the catch is latchingly disposed within the aperture for securing the closure member to the frame. A backing plate is rigidly secured to the locking device for pivotal movement therewith. The arrangement is such that the closure member is disposed between the backing plate and the locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Inventor: Fred Rust
  • Patent number: 5147351
    Abstract: A safety seal for sterilizable containers that is closed by the temperature prevailing in the sterilizer. The closed seal then indicates the integrity of the container. The sealing mechanism in the illustrated embodiment is a pushbutton 100 that is subject to the force of a spring 102. The spring is made of a memory-retaining alloy that provides tension at a temperature above a transition temperature and forces the pushbutton into a locking state. The container can be opened once the pushbutton has been forced back, but the pushbutton cannot be returned to its locking position until it attains the transition temperature again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Wagner GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Wagner
  • Patent number: 5147099
    Abstract: A child-proof latch which prevents a child from directly accessing the latch member (arm) itself, thus rendering it extremely difficult for a child to open a cabinet secured by the latch. The latch of the invention comprises a latch member, a support for the latch member, and an actuator member for selectively moving the latch member between its extended position (in which the cabinet is prevented from opening) and retracted position (in which the cabinet is allowed to open). Mutually engageable locking surfaces are provided on the actuator and the support, such that the actuation is normally locked with the latch member in its normally extended position. In order to open the cabinet, it is necessary to first disengage the locking surfaces and then depress the actuator sufficiently to move the latch, which is biased toward its extended position, to its retracted position. As it is unlikely that a child could accomplish both tasks, the latch is extremely secure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Kidie Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas McLinden, Ralph M. Nowak
  • Patent number: 5146710
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling access to a parking space which may utilize either a vehicle body or a tire access blocking barrier. In one embodiment a barrier is pivotally mounted on a parking space floor for movement between an upwardly extending and horizontal position. The barrier is held upright by a spring biased locking pin, which is retracted by a remote control by a vehicle driver to allow the barrier to fall to the horizontal position. Spaced forward and rear plates are pivotally mounted on the space floor and are connected by a bell crank linkage. So, when one plate is pivoted to the floor by a vehicle wheel driving over it, the other plate is pivoted to an upright position. A latch member is carried by the front plate which engages the barrier as the front plte is pivoted to the floor by wheel contact. The front plate and the engaged barrier are pivoted to an upright position when the vehicle backs out and pivots the rear plate to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Inventor: Wesley A. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 5145222
    Abstract: For use with a trailer having left and right overlapping doors, and also door rods which lock the doors, a clamp formed of mating, telescoping hollow tubular member supports identical L shaped hooks. The hooks encircle the door rods and secure the doors. The tubular members join and lock by a key operated removable cylinder in selected and aligned holes in the tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Lester E. Meyer
  • Patent number: 5145223
    Abstract: A cylindrical lock assembly (20) includes an inside subassembly (22) and an outside subassembly (24) which are assembled with a door (326). Each subassembly (22,24) includes a rose liner (26,38), a return spring cassette (28,40), a rose (30,42), a lever (32,46) and a lever insert (34,48). The inside subassembly (22) also includes a turn button (36) and the outside subassembly (24) includes a cylinder lock (44).The lever inserts (34,48) are each formed from a plastic material with a first element (400) and a second element (414) which are integrally joined by a plastic ribbon (426). In one instance, the first and second elements (400,414) are separated from the ribbon (426) and are joined to form structure which fills voids in the exterior of the levers (32,46). The voids are necessary for the insertion of the cylinder lock (44) which contains, for example, six tumbler pins. In another instance, only the first element (400) is used where the cylinder lock (44) contains, for example, seven tumbler pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Robida, Kenneth W. Strickland
  • Patent number: 5141272
    Abstract: In general, latch devices for sliding patio doors are complicated and/or intended to lock a door fully closed. A simple device for latching a sliding door or window partly or fully open or fully closed includes a track for mounting on a frame opposite the side edge of a movable door or window panel; a slide for slidable mounting on the track; a bracket for mounting on the edge of the panel at the bottom thereof; a rod pivotally connected to the slide and to the bracket; a bolt slidable in a recess in the slide body which contains a spring for biasing the bolt outwardly against teeth on the track, the teeth normally permitting movement of the slide in one direction on the track so that the door can be closed but not opened; and a pin for insertion through the slide into the bolt to hold the bolt retracted in the slide, so that the door can move freely between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: Pierre Veillette
  • Patent number: 5141271
    Abstract: The device includes an electromagnet securing means for holding the electromagnet in a door frame, an electrical conduit connecting the electromagnet to a power source, an armature magnetically attracted to the electromagnet when the latter is energized, and a connector for holding the armature on a door edge for adjustable movement towards the electromagnet. When the armature and electromagnet are in line with each other, the armature is free to move toward the electromagnet. Unlocking is effected by deenergizing the electromagnet and allowing the armature to retract by gravity or spring action, so that the lock component also moves out of the desired engagement. A switch in the bottom of the electromagnet is normally open but is magnetically attracted into the closed position only when the armature is fully aligned therewith by a magnet located in or near the armature. A time delay circuit may be connected to the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventors: Arthur Geringer, Richard Geringer, David Geringer
  • Patent number: 5141270
    Abstract: A vehicle door lock device consists of a striker and a lock body. The striker has a pair of straight leg portions and arc shape portions, respectively formed at end portions of the leg portions. The lock body has a guide groove through which the striker proceeds or moves, a latch adapted to engage with the striker entering the guide groove, a ratchet keeping an engaged condition of the latch and striker, and a resilient stopper positioned at an end of the guide groove. The stopper has a first abutting portion against which the straight leg portion abuts and an arc shape second abutting portion against which the arc shape portions of the striker abuts. The leg portion abuts against the first abutting portion when the latch of the lock device situates at its mid position between the half latched position or condition and the full latched position or condition of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Shibata
  • Patent number: 5141266
    Abstract: A sliding door rotary latch system includes a handle assembly mounted on the sliding door adjacent its leading edge, a rotary latch assembly and locking mechanism mounted on the front post of the door frame cooperating with a strike bar on the handle assembly selectively to latch the sliding door in its fully closed position and a rear latch plate mounted on the back post of the door frame cooperating with the handle assembly selectively to latch the sliding door in its fully open position. The door mounted handle assembly includes an outer pivotal handle, an inner pivotal handle, and an inner actuation mechanism operative to allow either handle independently of the other to actuate either a pivotal front cam actuator arm or a rear pivotal latch independent of the other. Either handle may be held in its pivoted position toward the direction of sliding movement of the door during that sliding movement without adversely effecting the latching action when the door is either fully closed or opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Cleveland Hardware & Forging Company
    Inventors: Jack A. Braun, Donald McFarland, Paul Shuss
  • Patent number: 5141269
    Abstract: A cylindrical lock assembly (20) includes an inside subassembly (22) and an outside subassemlby (24) which are assembled with a door (326). Each subassembly (22,24) includes a rose liner (26,38), a return spring cassette (28,40), a rose (30,42), a lever (32,46) and a lever insert (34,48). The inside subassembly (22) also includes a turn button (36) and the outside subassembly (24) includes a cylinder lock (44).A pair of sleeves (168,170) extend from opposite sides of the chassis (50) and are each formed with three slots which facilitate mounting of the levers (32,46) and the cylinder lock (44) thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammed A. Haq, Edward T. Leitkowski, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5139291
    Abstract: A pivot latch adapted for releasably securing a pivotable sash window to a master frame. The master frame has opposed, vertically extending guide rails. The sash has a hollow top sash rail, a base and a pair of hollow stiles cooperatively connected together at adjacent extremities thereof to form a rectangular sash frame. The top sash rail includes a pair of opposing header slots. Each of the header slots forms a pair of opposing, longitudinal header rails. The pivot latch comprises a housing having an outward end opening. A latch bolt is disposed within the housing. The pivot latch further includes a spring for biasing the latch bolt outwardly through the outward end opening and is adapted for engaging one of the guide rails. The housing has a cover having longitudinal edges and a pair of side walls depending from the cover and disposed inward of the edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Ashland Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven E. Schultz
  • Patent number: 5139292
    Abstract: An alarm lock for securely locking both edges of an emergency exit door. A rigid, hollow housing mounts upon an existing door between opposing door facings. A pair of rigid, elongated rods is longitudinally displaceable within the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position. The rods are driven by a coupler confined within the housing and coupled to a rotatable crank controlled by a paddle arm handle assembly. The crank is journaled for rotation about a rigid axle which projects through the housing interior. Movement of the handle rotates the crank, selectively extending and retracting the rods into and out of engagement with the door casings. A panel mounted on the paddle arm clearly displays instructions for emergency use. When the handle is activated, a rigid follower associated with one of the rods forcibly contacts an alarm switch to activate an audible transducer. The alarm may be manually disarmed and reset by manipulation of a key switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Ralph's Welding Inc.
    Inventor: L. Ralph Beals