Improper Key Or Mere Presence Of Key In Lock Patents (Class 200/61.66)
  • Patent number: 11866957
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an enclosure, a central processing unit, a power source, a first distance measuring device, a first compressible member, and a first housing pin, where the central processing unit is electrically coupled to the power source and the first distance measuring device. A first end of the first compressible member is mechanically coupled to a first end of the first housing pin and a second end of the first compressible member is mechanically coupled to an inner surface of the enclosure. The first distance measuring device positioned at the second end of the first compressible member, where the first distance measuring device is configured to measure a first distance to the first end of the first housing pin. A first key pin of a key structure disposed in the enclosure, where the first key pin is configured to compress the first compressible member the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Albert Dennes, Junfeng Xu, Adam Mullenbach, Gregory Michael Ketterer
  • Patent number: 10914097
    Abstract: A landing door locking mechanism of an elevator system includes a body housing key-engagement elements and having a first end and a second end, the key-engagement elements located at the first end and a keyway structure, wherein in a first position the first end of the body is exposed such that a key may be inserted into a keyway of the keyway structure and interact with the key-engagement elements. A biasing mechanism is configured to bias a moveable portion of the body toward a second position, wherein in the second position a key cannot interact with the key-engagement elements and a solenoid is configured to apply a force on the moveable portion of the body when the solenoid is energized such that the moveable portion of the body is moved from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Nicolas Fonteneau, Clement Schach, Christophe Taudou, Raphael Picard, Thierry Chopineau, Patrice Degardin, Alexandre Renard
  • Patent number: 8037725
    Abstract: A door lock indicator device is disclosed. The door lock indicator device can include a rotatable portion, a lock status display, and a switch (e.g., a button). The rotatable portion can define an opening shaped to receive a key blade. The door lock indicator device can be installed on a face of a door lock with the opening aligned with a keyhole of the door lock. Rotating a key blade within a keyway of the door lock can cause the rotatable portion to rotate with the door lock's cylinder. The lock status display can include a first indicator light and a second indicator light. Activating the switch can cause the lock status display to indicate a direction of a most recent rotation of the rotatable portion and/or a locked or unlocked status of the associated door lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Levine
  • Patent number: 7866195
    Abstract: A door lock indicator device is disclosed. The door lock indicator device can include a rotatable portion, a lock status display, and a switch (e.g., a button). The rotatable portion can define an opening shaped to receive a key blade. The door lock indicator device can be installed on a face of a door lock with the opening aligned with a keyhole of the door lock. Rotating a key blade within a keyway of the door lock can cause the rotatable portion to rotate with the door lock's cylinder. The lock status display can include a first indicator light and a second indicator light. Activating the switch can cause the lock status display to indicate a direction of a most recent rotation of the rotatable portion and/or a locked or unlocked status of the associated door lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Levine
  • Patent number: 7351924
    Abstract: A key switch is disclosed, including a key channel for receiving a key and including a key-insertion-dependent switching mechanism. The switching mechanism exhibits a device for key monitoring. A key switch is specified which can be inexpensively manufactured and exhibits additional security-related options. For this purpose, the key switch exhibits a device for key monitoring which exhibits a quasi-rigid system arranged axially in the key channel, which are provided for key ejection and for operating a switching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Josef Scherl, Ralf Tomaschek, Rudolf Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7161099
    Abstract: A warning system for an ignition switch that includes a housing of the ignition switch and a plunger having at least a portion slidably received in the housing, a key abutment end and a contact abutment end opposite the key abutment end. The plunger is movable between first and second positions with respect to the housing along a longitudinal axis thereof. First and second contacts are positioned in the housing. The first and second contacts are spaced from one another when the plunger is in the first position. The first and second contacts are in contact when the plunger is in the second position. At least one of the first and second contacts is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher K. Wyatt, Pat A. Bolen
  • Patent number: 6969810
    Abstract: An electrical key switch provides a sensing of inserted keys and an ejector mechanism preventing parking of the key in a partially inserted position within the key switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Davidsz
  • Patent number: 6268574
    Abstract: An electrical and/or an electrical and pneumatic lock-out device is disclosed for maintenance work crews to render their maintenance worksites more tamperproof and electrical “jumper”-proof, which provides more safety for their operations. The present lock-out device works with a safety interlock switch which either shuts off the electricity, or, if necessary, simultaneously shuts off the electricity and the pneumatic power system to work cell safety gate electrical systems, as well as electrical and pneumatic machinery and assembly line equipment. The present lock-out device acts to more reliably render work cells and manufacturing equipment inoperable for maintenance operations by maintenance crews as the key to the safety interlock switch is permanently attached to a safety pin to be used for closing a gate or to be inserted into a pneumatic or hydraulic device to prevent the pneumatics or the hydraulics from slipping once the power has been shut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Rudolph R. Edens