Abstract: A locking mechanism includes a locking receptacle, a movable member, and a locking member. The locking receptacle has an opening with sloped walls leading into a slot configured to receive a connecting member. The connecting member includes sloped walls that converge along the direction of docking. The movable member is positioned in the locking receptacle and configured to rotate from an unlockable position to a lockable position to secure the connecting member. The locking member is configured to switch between a locked position and an unlocked position, and further configured to secure the movable member while the movable member is in the lockable position and while the locking member is in the locked position.

Abstract: An object management system and locking mechanism and method, such as may be used in a bicycle rental station. The system comprises a plurality of docking stations and a terminal connected to the docking stations by a network. At least one of the docking stations includes the locking mechanism for locking a connecting member secured to a bicycle or other object. The locking mechanism comprises a locking receptacle configured to receive the connecting member; a movable member positioned in the locking receptacle, the movable member having a lockable position and an unlockable position; and a locking member having a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking member is configured to secure the movable member, the movable member is configured to secure the connecting member, and the locking member is configured to rotate to switch between the locked position and unlocked position.

Abstract: An object management system and locking mechanism and method, such as may be used in a bicycle rental station. The system comprises a plurality of docking stations and a terminal connected to the docking stations by a network. At least one of the docking stations includes the locking mechanism for locking a connecting member secured to a bicycle or other object. The locking mechanism comprises a locking receptacle configured to receive the connecting member; a movable member positioned in the locking receptacle, the movable member having a lockable position and an unlockable position; and a locking member having a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking member is configured to secure the movable member, the movable member is configured to secure the connecting member, and the locking member is configured to rotate to switch between the locked position and unlocked position.

Abstract: An object management system and locking mechanism and method. The system comprises a plurality of docking stations and a terminal connected to the docking stations by a network. At least one of the docking stations includes the locking mechanism for locking a locking member secured to an object. The locking mechanism includes: a locking receptacle configured to receive the locking member, as well as a locking shaft with a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking shaft is configured to secure the locking member when the locking shaft is in the locked position while the locking receptacle is receiving the locking member. The locking shaft rotates to switch between the locked position and the unlocked position. The locking mechanism can provide a secure lock on an object, preventing reversal of the locking mechanism and theft of the object.

Abstract: An object management system and locking mechanism and method, such as may be used in a bicycle rental station. The system comprises a plurality of docking stations and a terminal connected to the docking stations by a network. At least one of the docking stations includes the locking mechanism for locking a connecting member secured to a bicycle or other object. The locking mechanism comprises a locking receptacle configured to receive the connecting member; a movable member positioned in the locking receptacle, the movable member having a lockable position and an unlockable position; and a locking member having a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking member is configured to secure the movable member, the movable member is configured to secure the connecting member, and the locking member is configured to rotate to switch between the locked position and unlocked position.

Abstract: An RFID key dispenser. The tag dispenser has a simple mechanical construction that enables the tag dispenser to be located in unattended locations. The tag dispenser can, even with very simple construction, dispense a large number of tags between being restocked. Simple motions may be used to retrieve an individual tag for programming, move the tag to a programming station, and then route the tag to a dispensing portion of the tag dispenser or to a storage area for defective tags.

Abstract: An object management system and locking mechanism and method. The system comprises a plurality of docking stations and a terminal connected to the docking stations by a network. At least one of the docking stations includes the locking mechanism for locking a locking member secured to an object. The locking mechanism includes: a locking receptacle configured to receive the locking member, as well as a locking shaft with a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking shaft is configured to secure the locking member when the locking shaft is in the locked position while the locking receptacle is receiving the locking member. The locking shaft rotates to switch between the locked position and the unlocked position. The locking mechanism can provide a secure lock on an object, preventing reversal of the locking mechanism and theft of the object.

Abstract: An RFID key dispenser. The tag dispenser has a simple mechanical construction that enables the tag dispenser to be located in unattended locations. The tag dispenser can, even with very simple construction, dispense a large number of tags between being restocked. Simple motions may be used to retrieve an individual tag for programming, move the tag to a programming station, and then route the tag to a dispensing portion of the tag dispenser or to a storage area for defective tags.