Abstract: A lock includes: a plug housing rotatable about a central axis to unlatch a closure when the lock is in an unlocked state, wherein the plug housing defines a plug passage therein along the central axis and an intersecting pin slot through a side wall thereof; a plug rotatable within the plug passage to transition the lock between unlocked and locked states, wherein an inner portion thereof defines a helical groove that extends into the intersection of the plug passage and pin slot; and a stop linearly movable parallel to the central axis between inward and outward positions to place the lock in unlocked and locked states, respectively, wherein a stop pin of the stop extends through the pin slot and into the helical groove to interact therewith such that turning the plug causes the stop to linearly move between the inward and outward positions.

Abstract: A lock includes: a plug housing rotatable about a central axis to unlatch a closure when the lock is in an unlocked state, wherein the plug housing defines a plug passage therein along the central axis and an intersecting pin slot through a side wall thereof; a plug rotatable within the plug passage to transition the lock between unlocked and locked states, wherein an inner portion thereof defines a helical groove that extends into the intersection of the plug passage and pin slot; and a stop linearly movable parallel to the central axis between inward and outward positions to place the lock in unlocked and locked states, respectively, wherein a stop pin of the stop extends through the pin slot and into the helical groove to interact therewith such that turning the plug causes the stop to linearly move between the inward and outward positions.

Abstract: Spring-projected latch bolt assemblies each having a retractable latch bolt component are used to upgrade commercially available lock operating mechanisms so that closures carrying the upgraded lock operating mechanisms can lock automatically when the closures reach their fully closed positions. To permit unobstructed closing of each closure, a normally extended component of each associated spring-projected latch bolt assembly retracts during a final segment of the closing of an associated closure, and snaps back to its fully extended position as the associated closure comes to rest in its fully closed position.

Abstract: A simple kit of parts is provided that can be used to replace a few easily removed elements of a lockable push button actuator of a mechanical locking mechanism to convert the push button actuator to a lockable actuator for controlling a switch that can serve as a component of an electrical locking system. Other aspects of the invention relate to a method of making the mechanical to electrical conversion, and to a lockable actuator for operating an electrical switch connected to the actuator.

Abstract: A simple kit of parts is provided that can be used to replace a few easily removed elements of a lockable push button actuator of a mechanical locking mechanism to convert the push button actuator to a lockable actuator for controlling a switch that can serve as a component of an electrical locking system. Other aspects of the invention relate to a method of making the mechanical to electrical conversion, and to a lockable actuator for operating an electrical switch connected to the actuator.