Patents Examined by Suzanne L. Barrett
  • Patent number: 11713593
    Abstract: The lock has a hook, a locking finger and a latch. The locking finger is engaged with the hook and the latch when the lock is in the locked mode. The locking finger is disengaged from the hook and the latch when the lock is in the opened mode. The lock can be opened by a combination mechanism or by an overriding key mechanism. The combination mechanism has a button, and a plurality of dials and clutches to control the movement of the button. When the dials are set to a correct combination, the button can be moved to disengage the latch from the locking finger, allowing the locking finger to disengage from the hook. The key mechanism has a cylinder with a key slot to receive a key for rotating the cylinder to disengage the latch from the locking finger, allowing the locking finger to disengage from the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: THE SUN LOCK COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Karl Lai
  • Patent number: 11713599
    Abstract: A restraint device tailored for law enforcement and military applications. The utility device has a tape section, a handle, and a head. The handle is connected to a proximal end of the tape section and the head is connected to a distal end of the tape section. The restraint device is provided in an expanded state that defines a loop, in which the tape section passes through an aperture in the head. Ideally, the tape section includes a stop that restricts the tape section from freely traveling through the aperture in the head. The handle preferably comprises a fastening point, which accommodates connecting the handle of the restraint device to another object. Some embodiments of the fastening point include a spring-loaded gate. The restraint device is a compact, portable, and versatile tool capable of facilitating a wide range of law enforcement and military practices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: EMPROKING LTD.
    Inventor: Thomas Grosso
  • Patent number: 11702865
    Abstract: Apparatus to secure an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or other structure are disclosed herein. One apparatus includes an arm including an attachment and a lockpin that engages the attachment in an engaged position. The lockpin is configured to prevent the arm from disengaging from the engaged position when a force is applied to the arm. Another apparatus includes an arm including an attachment that prevents rotation of the arm, a lockpin that engages the attachment in an engaged position, and a lock connected to the lockpin to prevent releasing the lockpin from the engaged position. An ATM includes a frame, a gate, and an abutment. The gate includes an arm including an attachment that locks the arm. The abutment includes a lockpin that engages the attachment in an engaged position to prevent the arm from unlocking and a lock connected to the abutment to prevent access to the lockpin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: COMPANION SYSTEMS
    Inventors: James Howlett, Aaron Bagwell
  • Patent number: 11697951
    Abstract: A handle assembly includes a lock cylinder of a selected one of a first standard or a different second standard. A tail piece extends from the lock cylinder. The handle assembly also includes a vertical tubular member, a horizontal tubular member and a transition plate. The transition plate is disposed within the vertical tubular member and is moveable between a first position and a different second position. The transition plate accommodates installation of the lock cylinder of the first standard when in the first position and installation of the lock cylinder of the second standard when in the second position. A mechanical linkage is coupled to the tail piece and effects movement of a locking bolt in response to turning of a key in the lock cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: T-Concepts Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Witherby
  • Patent number: 11692372
    Abstract: A key comprises a body with a head and a blade and a magnet in the head. The key can be part of a key set including a plurality of keys. Each key can have a hole through the head, for example through approximately a center of the head. The key set can include a hub through the holes in the keys, such that the keys are coupled by and are rotatable around the hub. The magnets in the keys can silence, and resist, index, and lock rotation of the keys around the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Magnetikeys, LLC
    Inventors: L. Walker Kellogg, II, Benjamin E. Pearson
  • Patent number: 11686127
    Abstract: A method for retrofitting a roll door lock that enables both manual and remote wireless locking and unlocking of a roll door. More specifically, the retrofitted lock comprises an interior plate with a cylinder lock aperture, a motorhead gear coupled to a motor and rotationally secured within the housing, and a controller functionally coupled to the motor, wherein the controller may be commanded to operate the motor to lock the roll door lock by causing a blocking coupler edge to reduce the diameter of a ball-pin aperture, and unlock the roll door lock by withdrawing the blocking coupler edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Inventors: Justin Zastrow, Ira Hayes
  • Patent number: 11686129
    Abstract: A security apparatus for a portable electronic device having an aperture includes a lock mechanism including a lock cylinder and a cam member. The cam member is coupled to the lock cylinder for rotation with the lock cylinder. The security apparatus additionally includes an engagement mechanism including a first finger, a second finger, and a plunger. The first finger and the second finger are configured to be inserted into the aperture of the portable electronic device. The plunger is positioned between the first finger and the second finger and has a cam follower configured to engage the cam member. As the cam member is rotated by the lock cylinder, the plunger pushes the first finger and the second finger apart from each other to engage the portable electronic device. The lock cylinder defines a rotational axis and the cam member is rotatable about the rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: ACCO BRANDS CORPORATION
    Inventors: James Kao, Alex J. Klinkman, Joseph A. Teresi, Wilson Tse, Mike Otsuka, William De Meulenaere
  • Patent number: 11686123
    Abstract: Provided are electronic door locks, systems, and computer implemented methods of use. In one example, the electronic door lock includes a locking mechanism configured to change a state of a door of a room between a locked state and an unlocked state. The electronic door lock further includes a communications interface configured to communicate wirelessly or wired with one or more fire devices. The one of more fire devices are configured to transmit a wireless or wired alert signal to the communications interface in response to detecting an occurrence of fire. The electronic door lock further includes a display unit configured to display an alert upon the communications interface receiving the wireless alert signal from the one or more fire devices, and configured to display an indication as to occupancy of the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jordi Escofet Via
  • Patent number: 11680429
    Abstract: A security apparatus for a portable electronic device having an aperture includes a lock mechanism having a lock cylinder and a cam member. The lock cylinder is configured to be rotated by a key. The cam member is coupled to the lock cylinder for rotation with the lock cylinder. The cam member has a slot. The security apparatus also includes an engagement mechanism having a first finger, a second finger, and a plunger. The first finger and the second finger are configured to be inserted into the aperture of the portable electronic device. The plunger is positioned between the first finger and the second finger and has a cam follower positioned within the slot of the cam member. As the cam member is rotated by the lock cylinder, the plunger pushes the first finger and the second finger apart from each other to engage the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: ACCO BRANDS CORPORATION
    Inventors: James Kao, Alex J. Klinkman, Joseph A. Teresi, Wilson Tse, Mike Otsuka, William De Meulenaere
  • Patent number: 11674349
    Abstract: A slim-profile safe has a safe body that defines an interior space, and a safe door that is moveable between a closed position for securing the interior space and an open position for accessing the interior space. The safe door includes a fore portion and a recess portion that is offset from the fore portion by a recess angle. The fore portion defines a maximum depth of the safe, and the recess portion provides a reduced depth portion of the safe for the presentation of external hardware for operating a lock that releasably locks the safe door in the closed position, the recess portion being sufficiently offset from the fore portion such that the external hardware is positioned entirely sub-flush to a plane that extends parallel to the fore portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Grant, Ian Denny
  • Patent number: 11668514
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: TriTeq Lock and Security, LLC
    Inventors: William Denison, Calin Roatis
  • Patent number: 11661787
    Abstract: Systems and methods to indicate whether a safe is locked or unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: JVA Partners
    Inventors: David Allen Moyer, Ashok Hirpara, Jatinkumar Bhatt
  • Patent number: 11661030
    Abstract: A vehicle locking boot includes a horizontal support arm and a first vertical support arm extending from the horizontal support arm. The first vertical support arm includes a front engagement protrusion extending therefrom. A receiving sleeve extends from the horizontal support arm at a base of the first vertical support arm. A horizontal extension portion is coupled to the horizontal support arm. A second vertical support arm extends from the horizontal extension portion along a direction orthogonal to the upper surface of the horizontal support arm. The second vertical support arm includes a rear engagement protrusion extending therefrom. The front engagement protrusion faces the rear engagement protrusion. A keypad is disposed on the first engagement portion. The keypad is configured to lock and unlock the horizontal extension portion. A lug nut blocking plate is coupled to the first vertical support arm above the first engagement protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Inventor: Mike Gordon
  • Patent number: 11649655
    Abstract: A closure for a strand lock having a securing strand, a locking pin with a latch, and a locking housing defining a receptacle for the locking pin is provided with a rotatable coupling element on the locking pin. Rotation of the coupling element secures the latch in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventor: Alexandra Baum
  • Patent number: 11643843
    Abstract: A redundant actuation lock apparatus includes an interface, an electronic mechanism, and a manual mechanism. The interface manipulates lock bar(s) into a locked/unlocked position. The electronic mechanism includes an actuator and power drive. The actuator is disengageably coupled to and drives the interface. The power drive is coupled to and drives the actuator in response to a control signal. The manual mechanism includes a key input and an output. The key input receives and rotates with a mechanical key. The output disengageably couples to the interface and rotates with the mechanical key. The actuator is engaged with and the output is disengaged from the interface in an electronic mode, while the actuator is disengaged from and the output is engaged with the interface in a manual mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: TRANSFORM SR BRANDS LLC
    Inventors: Brian Todd Reese, Cody Lyle Mayer
  • Patent number: 11634931
    Abstract: A modular electronic deadbolt includes a bolt module having a first housing defining a first longitudinal axis, a motor disposed in the first housing, and a deadbolt configured to be linearly moveable in relation to the first housing along the first longitudinal axis by the motor. The modular electronic deadbolt also includes a battery module configured to be operatively coupled to the bolt module. The battery module includes a second housing configured to receive a power source, and a face plate coupled to the second housing. The faceplate defines a second longitudinal axis and includes an extension that extends along the second longitudinal axis. The extension is configured to removably couple the bolt module to the battery module such that the first longitudinal axis is substantially orthogonal to the second longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Amesbury Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary E. Tagtow, Michael Lee Anderson, Tracy Lammers, Bruce Hagemeyer, Douglas John Criddle
  • Patent number: 11629530
    Abstract: The invention provides a lock body having a keyway and a throughbore parallel to the keyway with the throughbore having two portions separated by a shoulder. A first cable passes through the throughbore, the first cable having a knob at one end and a chevron at a second end. A second cable depends from and is attached to the lock body. The cable body also has a bolt that is biased partially into the first portion of the throughbore. The keyway has a plug that is rotatable with the proper key to retract the bolt from the throughbore. The chevron can pass by the bolt in an axial first direction by urging the chevron and allowing the taper to move the bolt transversely against the bias, but not in a second axial direction. A base accommodates the lock body and cables and is captured by the second cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventor: Matthew Schroll
  • Patent number: 11629905
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: TriTeq Lock and Security, LLC
    Inventors: William Denison, Calin Roatis
  • Patent number: 11624203
    Abstract: Here is provided a device for securing a standard deadbolt lock in a locked orientation so that the deadbolt lock cannot be unlocked by an intruder. The device disclosed includes an elongated member pivotally coupled to a base member by a pivotal joint. The base member is securely mounted to a housing of the deadbolt lock and the protruding member has an elongated groove dimensioned and configured to receive the latch of the deadbolt lock and secure it within the groove such that the latch cannot be rotated to unlock the deadbolt lock. The protruding member is pivotally movable between a closed position wherein the latch is contained within the groove and an extended position wherein the protruding member is positioned away from the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Inventor: Harold Mano
  • Patent number: 11624231
    Abstract: A banknote handling system includes an unlocking system. The unlocking system includes a camera, a first mechanical arm to which one or a plurality of keys are affixed, and a controller that determines a position of a keyhole based on an image from the camera, and controls the first arm to insert one of the one or the plurality of keys into the keyhole and turn the inserted key for unlocking. In many examples, the unlocking system is configured to unlock a banknote cashbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Uemizo, Takashi Ueda