Abstract: A self-locking mechanism for use with a locking barrier on a cabinet. The locking mechanism includes an actuator and one or more locking members for securing the locking barrier in a closed position. When the locking barrier is in an open position, a detent element holds one of the locking members and the actuator in an unlocked position. A projection attached to the cabinet disengages the detent element upon closing of the locking barrier, thus allowing the locking member to extend into its locked position.

Abstract: An alarm for indicating a locking barrier has been left open for a specified period of time, and a method for its use. An alarm circuit includes a timer, an alarm and a timer resetter. The timer begins a countdown when the locking barrier is left in an open position. If the countdown ends without the timer having been reset by the timer resetter, the alarm emits a signal indicating the locking barrier has been left in an unlocked position.

Abstract: A lock assembly for locking a door to a frame element, comprising a rotatable locking element and a locking rod connected to the rotatable locking element. Rotation of the locking element in one sense results in the locking rod moving toward a first side of the frame element and rotation in the other sense results in the locking rod moving away from the first side of the frame element. The lock assembly also comprises a pin having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end selectively engages the rotatable locking element at an engagement position so that the locking element is prevented from rotating. The lock assembly comprises a pin actuating mechanism for moving the pin from the engaged position to a disengaged position wherein the pin does not engage the locking element.