Patents by Inventor Mark Nickeas
Mark Nickeas has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Publication number: 20230296199Abstract: A hose bib lock with keyless removal function (HBLKRF) that is placed on a hose bib or other threaded element to prevent unauthorized use of the hose bib or threaded element to release water or other fluid. The HBLKRF is comprised of three major elements: an outer member, an inner member and a main body into which a lock is inserted. The lock is operated by a key that is inserted into a key interface. The HBLKRF is designed to be free spinning when in place on a hose bib, and when secured onto a hose bib, the HBLKRF provides a block that prevents water from exiting the hose bib. The HBLKRF is an inventive improvement over previous similar locks/security devices by providing removal of the HBLKRF from a hose bib or other threaded element without the requirement/use of a key. This is accomplished by the use of a removal rod that is inserted into a bore on the main body.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2022Publication date: September 21, 2023Inventor: Mark Nickeas
-
Patent number: 9932756Abstract: An electronic barrel lock and key system that functions in combination with a computer that codes an electronic master key, or an electronic standard key, or an electronic programming module and includes an electronic lock having a lock security device. The master key has no restrictions, based on how it is programmed, therefore it can open any of the locks. The standard key includes restrictions that precludes the key from opening the lock. The programming module cannot open a lock it is only used to program or reprogram a lock. The lock security device is utilized to prevent a person from opening the lock by applying a high temperature to the lock. The security device utilizes a low-melt alloy that is isolated from the electronic elements located within the lock. When the low-melt alloy melts it causes the lock to be placed in a permanent locked state. The system also has a non-rotating non-keyed interface between the key and the lock.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
-
Patent number: 8863563Abstract: A magnetic lock and key assembly includes a magnetic lock assembly. The magnetic lock assembly includes a plunger translatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A detent is extendable when the plunger is in the locked position and retractable when the plunger is in the unlocked position. A lock magnet is translatable with the plunger and has an end defined by a lock magnet north pole and a lock magnet south pole. The magnetic lock and key assembly further includes a magnetic key assembly having a key magnet. The key magnet has an end defined by a key magnet north pole and a key magnet south pole. At least one of the lock magnet and the key magnet is rotatably supported to facilitate automatic magnetic attractive alignment, attraction of the lock magnet toward the key magnet, and translation of the plunger to the unlocked position.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Rexnord Industries, LLCInventors: Frank L. Gentile, Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
-
Patent number: 8341988Abstract: A locking device for securing a structure comprising an inner body having an inner surface for attachment to the structure, an outer cover located circumferentially about the inner body, the outer cover freely rotating around the inner body in its securing configuration and a key for insertion into an opening in the outer body. First and second magnets are located in spaced apart first and second cavities within the key such that the magnets are oriented with the south pole of the first magnet and the north pole of the second magnet facing in the same direction. The magnets act on a pin within the body of the lock such that, in a first embodiment, when the key is removed from the lock body the pin is magnetically held away from contact with the inner body resulting in a free turning, locked configuration.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
-
Publication number: 20120291501Abstract: A magnetic lock and key assembly includes a magnetic lock assembly. The magnetic lock assembly includes a plunger translatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A detent is extendable when the plunger is in the locked position and retractable when the plunger is in the unlocked position. A lock magnet is translatable with the plunger and has an end defined by a lock magnet north pole and a lock magnet south pole. The magnetic lock and key assembly further includes a magnetic key assembly having a key magnet. The key magnet has an end defined by a key magnet north pole and a key magnet south pole. At least one of the lock magnet and the key magnet is rotatably supported to facilitate automatic magnetic attractive alignment, attraction of the lock magnet toward the key magnet, and translation of the plunger to the unlocked position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Inventors: Frank L. Gentile, Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
-
Publication number: 20120055214Abstract: A locking device for securing a structure comprising an inner body having an inner surface for attachment to the structure, an outer cover located circumferentially about the inner body, the outer cover freely rotating around the inner body in its securing configuration and a key for insertion into an opening in the outer body. First and second magnets are located in spaced apart first and second cavities within the key such that the magnets are oriented with the south pole of the first magnet and the north pole of the second magnet facing in the same direction. The magnets act on a pin within the body of the lock such that, in a first embodiment, when the key is removed from the lock body the pin is magnetically held away from contact with the inner body resulting in a free turning, locked configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
-
Publication number: 20110209509Abstract: A magnetic barrel lock assembly comprises a lock body that defines a chamber having a first end and a second end that is opposite the first end. A plunger is located within the chamber and is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A lock magnet is located between the plunger and the first end of the chamber. A resilient member is configured to bias the plunger toward the first or second end of the chamber. A detent is configured to be extendable when the plunger is in the locked position and retractable when the plunger is in the unlocked position. Positioning a key magnet near the lock magnet moves the plunger to the unlocked position such that the detent may retract.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas, Frank L. Gentile
-
Patent number: 7797972Abstract: A security device for engaging a threaded element includes an inner body configured to engage the threaded element and an outer body operatively coupled to the inner body. A pin is operatively coupled to the inner body and movable between an extended position and a retracted position such that the outer body moves relative to the inner body when the pin is disposed in the retracted position and the outer body and the inner body are operatively coupled for simultaneous movement when the pin is disposed in the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Flow Security Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
-
Publication number: 20080127688Abstract: A security device for engaging a threaded element includes an inner body configured to engage the threaded element and an outer body operatively coupled to the inner body. A pin is operatively coupled to the inner body and movable between an extended position and a retracted position such that the outer body moves relative to the inner body when the pin is disposed in the retracted position and the outer body and the inner body are operatively coupled for simultaneous movement when the pin is disposed in the extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
-
Patent number: 7287404Abstract: A security device for engaging an threaded element includes an inner body configured to engage the threaded element and an outer body operatively coupled to the inner body. A lock is configured to engage the outer body and is operable such that the outer body moves with the inner body when the lock is in an extended configuration and freely rotates relative to the inner body when the lock is in a retracted configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2005Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Flow Security Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
-
Patent number: 7096882Abstract: A valve security device for releasably securing a fluid flow valve in an inoperable position including an inner body adapted to be disposed about the valve actuator such that rotation of the inner body effects corresponding rotation of the actuator to open and close the valve and an outer body rotatably mounted about the inner body. A valve cap defining a secondary actuator is mounted on the outer body. An operating pin assembly is carried by the outer body which, in an extended position, operatively couples the outer body to the inner body such that the valve can be controlled by the secondary actuator. In a retracted position, the pin assembly uncouples the outer and inner bodies such that the outer body is freely rotatable on the inner body. A lock secures the operating pin assembly in the retracted position thereby releasably securing the valve in an inoperable position.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2005Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Flow Security Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
-
Publication number: 20060130544Abstract: A security device for engaging an threaded element includes an inner body configured to engage the threaded element and an outer body operatively coupled to the inner body. A lock is configured to engage the outer body and is operable such that the outer body moves with the inner body when the lock is in an extended configuration and freely rotates relative to the inner body when the lock is in a retracted configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2005Publication date: June 22, 2006Applicant: FLOW SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
-
Patent number: 6920894Abstract: A valve security device for releasably securing a fluid flow valve in an inoperable position including an inner body adapted to be disposed about the valve actuator such that rotation of the inner body effects corresponding rotation of the actuator to open and close the valve and an outer body rotatably mounted about the inner body. A valve cap defining a secondary actuator is mounted on the outer body. An operating pin assembly is carried by the outer body which, in an extended position, operatively couples the outer body to the inner body such that the valve can be controlled by the secondary actuator. In a retracted position, the pin assembly uncouples the outer and inner bodies such that the outer body is freely rotatable on the inner body. A lock secures the operating pin assembly in the retracted position thereby releasably securing the valve in an inoperable position.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2004Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Flow Security Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
-
Publication number: 20050155648Abstract: A valve security device for releasably securing a fluid flow valve in an inoperable position including an inner body adapted to be disposed about the valve actuator such that rotation of the inner body effects corresponding rotation of the actuator to open and close the valve and an outer body rotatably mounted about the inner body. A valve cap defining a secondary actuator is mounted on the outer body. An operating pin assembly is carried by the outer body which, in an extended position, operatively couples the outer body to the inner body such that the valve can be controlled by the secondary actuator. In a retracted position, the pin assembly uncouples the outer and inner bodies such that the outer body is freely rotatable on the inner body. A lock secures the operating pin assembly in the retracted position thereby releasably securing the valve in an inoperable position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2004Publication date: July 21, 2005Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
-
Publication number: 20050155649Abstract: A valve security device for releasably securing a fluid flow valve in an inoperable position including an inner body adapted to be disposed about the valve actuator such that rotation of the inner body effects corresponding rotation of the actuator to open and close the valve and an outer body rotatably mounted about the inner body. A valve cap defining a secondary actuator is mounted on the outer body. An operating pin assembly is carried by the outer body which, in an extended position, operatively couples the outer body to the inner body such that the valve can be controlled by the secondary actuator. In a retracted position, the pin assembly uncouples the outer and inner bodies such that the outer body is freely rotatable on the inner body. A lock secures the operating pin assembly in the retracted position thereby releasably securing the valve in an inoperable position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2005Publication date: July 21, 2005Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
-
Patent number: 5992191Abstract: An anti-theft device for motor vehicles which selectively disables the vehicle by interrupting the operative connection of the steering wheel to the steering column. The device includes an outer cylindrical boss which is affixed to the steering wheel and an inner cylindrical boss which is affixed to the steering column. The outer boss is disposed about the inner boss and axially movable thereon with the steering wheel between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position the inner boss is coupled to the outer boss by a plurality of engaged locking teeth for operation of the vehicle. In the disengaged position locking teeth on the outer boss are axially separated from locking teeth on the inner boss and the outer boss and attached steering wheel are freely rotatable about the inner boss, operatively disengaging the steering wheel from the steering column and effectively disabling the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas, Pasco C. Ponticelli, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5735151Abstract: An anti-theft device for motor vehicles which selectively disables the vehicle by interrupting the operative connection of the steering wheel to the steering column. The device includes an outer cylindrical boss which is fixed to the steering wheel and rotatably mounted on and about an inner cylindrical boss affixed to the steering column. A key actuated locking mechanism is carried by the outer boss which selectively engages the inner boss to operatively connect the steering wheel to the steering column. By unlocking the locking mechanism, this operative connection is interrupted and the vehicle cannot be controlled by the steering wheel and is thus disabled. As the disabling of the vehicle is obtained when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked position as opposed to a locked position, damaging the mechanism by the application of excessive force will not overcome its disabling effects.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas