Abstract: A toolbox is provided with a locking apparatus including a buckle and a driving unit. The buckle includes a space. The driving unit is inserted in the space and includes a pivotal element and a torque spring. The pivotal element is pivotally connected to the buckle. The torque spring is supported on the pivotal element and adapted for biasing the pivotal element relative to the buckle. The pivotal element includes a rod, an axle extending coaxially from the rod, and two cams formed on the axle and separated from each other by a gap. The torque spring includes a helical section supported on the axle and kept in the gap between the cams.

Abstract: The present invention is a gate latching system for use in securing a pair of cooperating stock gates together. A preferred embodiment of the invention employs a pair of latching devices for securing a pair of overlapping stock gates together in a closed position. An alternate embodiment of the invention is designed with an extended arm for securing a pair of stock gates closed when the stock gates do not overlap. Both pairs of latching devices are designed so that one of the latching devices is bolted to one gate and the other latching device is bolted to the other gate. Each latching device has a u-shaped receiver for receiving a horizontal member of the opposite gate. The horizontal members enter the u-shaped receivers by lifting one of the gates as the gates are being closed and are secure therein by a lid that closes over one receiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ejection unit for at least one satellite, in particular a picosatellite, comprising a frame that defines an inner space for receiving the satellite; and a retention device for holding the satellite in the inner space, the retention device being configured such that the satellite is releasable from the retention device.

Abstract: A latch with a handle that is elastically biased in the closed position. The latch is attached to the lid via a handle, and when the handle is disengaged from the lid, the latch can be rotated away from the lid. Upon rotating the latch away from the lid, hooks on the latch will disengage with a receiving portion of a case, thereby allowing the lid to be removed from the case.

Abstract: A locking system is mounted to a door with three rods extending therefrom. The rods have a locked position extending beyond the periphery of the door and an unlocked position not extending beyond the periphery of the door. Three rod receivers are adapted to receive the three rods in the locked position. A handle rotatably engages cam plates which are operatively engaged with the rods whereby rotation of the handle rotates the cam which moves the rod ends from one position to the other. A locking tab extends forwardly from the lower cam plate into a recess and is engaged by a circular lock while the recess prevents movement of the engaged circular lock. A second locking tab extends forwardly from the rod-locking link and a stationary locking tab is aligned thereto. Both locking tabs are engaged by a padlock preventing movement of the rod-locking link.

Abstract: A rotary lock including a housing having a strike channel shaped to receive a strike component and a latch member including at least one strike engaging member. The latch member is rotatable between an unlatched position, a secondary latch position and a primary latch position. A keeper member is moveable between a disengaged position, a secondary keeper position, and a primary keeper position. A lock member is moveable between a lock position and an unlock position. The lock member and/or a lock actuator is non-movable to the lock position when the latch member is in the secondary latch position, thereby providing indicia that the latch member is not fully latched in a primary latch position. Methods of assembly and use are also provided.

Abstract: In combination, a door, two latches at an edge of the door, and door latch operating components at opposite sides of the door; displaceable structure in the door having a position blocking movement of the latches, first mechanism responsive to displacement of one of the components for displacing the structure from blocking position to allow movement of the latches, for door opening; and electrically operable actuating means for effecting displacement of the structure from blocking position to allow movement of the latches, for door opening.

Abstract: A receptacle adapted for removable placement on a retention tray is disclosed. The receptacle includes a lid having a closed position and a lid hook. The receptacle includes a latching apparatus with a lid latch configured to engage the lid hook when the lid is in the closed position. The latching apparatus also has a tray latch configured to engage a tray hook that is coupled to the retention tray when the receptacle is placed on the retention tray. The latching apparatus has an actuator configured to selectably release either the lid hook or the tray hook, thus eliminating a need for a second set of actuators in the retention tray to releasably secure the receptacles to the tray.

Abstract: An emergency release device for a trunk of a vehicle includes an arrestor device for limiting an opening movement of the trunk, a trunk lock and a coupling module including first and second coupling elements, each shiftably supported in the coupling housing, wherein the first and second coupling elements respectively operatively couple an emergency actuation device of the vehicle to the arrestor device, and an actuation device of the vehicle to the trunk lock, and are detachably coupled to each other during a first stroke of the first coupling element caused by an actuation of the emergency actuation device, wherein the first stroke causes the second coupling element to open the locking device and causes the first coupling element to perform an idle stroke relative to the arrestor device, and wherein the coupling between the first and second coupling elements is released in response to a second stroke advancing past the first stroke and is caused by the actuation of the emergency actuation device.

Abstract: In combination a door, latch structure at an edge of the door, and independently opens the door latch operating components at opposite sides of the door, displaceable structure in the door having a position blocking movement of the latch structure, first means responsive to displacement of a selected one of the components for displacing the structure from the blocking position to allow movement of the latch structure, for door opening, and the first means including a rotatable cam having reversible positions in each of which motion is transmitted to the displacement structure in response to displacement of the respective components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor latch (200) for connecting a vehicle seat base portion (204) with a vehicle floor portion, the floor latch (200) comprising an attachment means (301) and a riser (300), the floor latch (200) providing centering of the attachment means (301) for clamping the riser (300) with the seat base portion (204) or with the vehicle floor portion.

Abstract: A locking system is mounted to a door with three rods extending therefrom. The rods have a locked position extending beyond the periphery of the door and an unlocked position not extending beyond the periphery of the door. Three rod receivers are adapted to receive the three rods in the locked position. A handle rotatably engages cam plates which are operatively engaged with the rods whereby rotation of the handle rotates the cam which moves the rod ends from one position to the other. A locking tab extends forwardly from the lower cam plate into a recess and is engaged by a circular lock while the recess prevents movement of the engaged circular lock. A second locking tab extends forwardly from the rod-locking link and a stationary locking tab is aligned thereto. Both locking tabs are engaged by a padlock preventing movement of the rod-locking link.

Abstract: A mechanical latch assembly for a retractable door or window system is described. The latch assembly includes a latch subassembly mountable between inner and outer door handles and a catch subassembly mountable on a support surface. When the retractable door or window is adjusted to a fully closed position, the latch and catch subassemblies may be releasably coupled together by engaging a latch and a catch bar. A safety catch may be optionally deployed for maintaining the latch in an engaged position. The latch subassembly may include a pair of rotatable cassettes and a corresponding pair of thumb levers for rotating the cassettes against the bias of a spring to move the latch from the engaged to a disengaged position. The latch may be disposed on one of the rotatable cassettes. The catch assembly may include optional brackets for mounting the catch assembly on a door jamb, pocket door frame, another door handle or other suitable support surface.

Abstract: The invention provides an assembly (20) for release of an element (8) such as a hatch. The assembly (20) includes first means such as a peg (28) moveable between a first position in which the first means (28) restricts full release of the element (8) and a second position in which the first means (28) does not restrict full release of the element (8), and second means, such as shape memory alloy wire (32) which is adapted to contract when activated to move the first means (28) from the second position to the first position. Optionally, the assembly (20) includes third means, such as shape memory alloy wire (34) which is adapted to contract when activated to move the first means (28) from the first position to the second position. The assembly (20) is useful for testing oxygen release apparatus in aircraft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improvements in latch design. The illustrated embodiment of the present invention is a rotary pawl latch with the capability to provide a compressive force between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method using a module kit to construct a safety container of an arbitrary shape, a module set used to carry out the method and a safety container including one or several of the modules.

Abstract: A door fastening device comprising a bolt movable between a retracted position and an extended position where at least part of the bolt extends, in use, to fasten the door, the bolt being linked to an abutment member, the part of the bolt being movable to its extended position in engagement, in use, of a bolt member of a lock or latch of the door with the abutment member, the abutment member being a cam which is adjustable to compensate for different clearances, in use, between the device and the door in its closed position, to ensure sufficient engagement of the abutment member by the bolt member to move the part of the bolt to its extended position, and the cam having a flat, first surface and a second surface on a nose part.

Abstract: A dual hinge door assembly is provided that enables selective opening of one side of a two sided door or removal of the door. The two sides of the door have identical assemblies that connect via a horizontal bar. Actuating a switch causes the bar to move horizontally in one of two directions. Movement of the bar causes assemblies on each side of the door to rotate and translate the horizontal motion of the bar to vertical motion of a set of lock pins, and causes the handle on the side of the door selected for opening to become visible to the operator. Upon pulling the handle, the side of the door adjacent to the lock will open while the opposite side remains stationary. Alternatively, the assembly may be modified to cause both handles to release. The operator may then pull both handles to remove the door from the housing.

Abstract: A closure device for a container, which possesses a locking element for mutually locking of two container parts when the container is closed. The locking element has first and second locking instrumentalities, which are arranged on the different container parts. By way of an actuating member, which is able to be switched over between a closed position and an open position a first engagement member may be shifted between a locking position and a released position. The open position of the actuating member corresponding to the locking position may be secured by an obstructing member in order to prevent unauthorized unlocking of the container. An opening mechanism renders possible an overriding of the obstructing action and a switching over of the actuating member into the open position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock including a diode for operating an electric motor drive in one direction of drive rotation. To minimize the electric motor turning back against the direction of drive rotation in the off state, the diode is connected in parallel to the electric motor drive which provides essentially for short circuiting of the electric motor drive when it turns back. In this way, rebound of the electric motor drive is prevented or reduced.

Abstract: A locking system is disclosed for use with a cargo container. The locking system comprises a housing which is adapted to be mounted to a door of the cargo storing container. Three rods extend from the housing with the rods having a locked position extending beyond the periphery of the door and an unlocked position not extending beyond the periphery of the door. A handle extends from the housing. The handle rotatably engages a cam plate contained within the housing. The cam plate is operatively engaged with the three rods whereby rotation of the handle rotates the cam plate which moves the rods from one position to the other. A locking tab extends forwardly from the cam plate into a recess in the housing. The locking tab is engaged by a circular lock while the recess prevents movement of the engaged circular lock.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch has a forkbolt, a detent that holds the forkbolt in a latched position, a release mechanism that moves the detent to release the forkbolt and a lock mechanism for disabling the release mechanism. The detent is moved by an intermittent lever that is part of the release mechanism and part of the locking mechanism. A lock lever forming part of the lock mechanism moves the intermittent lever back and forth between an unlock position where the intermittent lever drives the detent to release the forkbolt and a lock position where the intermittent lever free wheels with respect to the detent. The intermittent lever is pivotally connected to an unlatching lever of the release mechanism that is operated by inside and outside release levers. The lock lever includes a lower lock lever, an upper lock lever and a spring that stores energy when the lower lock lever pivots with respect to the upper lock lever.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch has a forkbolt, a detent that holds the forkbolt in a latched position, a release mechanism that moves the detent to release the forkbolt and a lock mechanism for disabling the release mechanism. The detent is moved by an intermittent lever that is part of the release mechanism and part of the locking mechanism. A lock lever forming part of the lock mechanism moves the intermittent lever back and forth between an unlock position where the intermittent lever drives the detent to release the forkbolt and a lock position where the intermittent lever free wheels with respect to the detent. The intermittent lever is pivotally connected to an unlatching lever of the release mechanism that is operated by inside and outside release levers. The lock lever includes a lower lock lever, an upper lock lever and a spring that stores energy when the lower lock lever pivots with respect to the upper lock lever.

Abstract: A bolt construction for use in an espagnolette locking system for the multi-point locking of sashes is made up of a linking rod (16) and a locking pin (17), one or the other of which is of fixed length and the other of which may be any one of a plurality of different lengths, the rod and pin being adapted to be connected together with a snap fit in any one of a plurality of different positions, thereby allowing the length of the interconnecting rod and pin to be chosen to fit a particular size of sash. The construction also provides a bolt construction for use in an espagnolette locking system for multi-point locking of sashes, which bolt construction is formed for assembly within a rebate in a face of the sash by means of a snap fit within the rebate. The construction also extends to a sash fitted with two such bolt constructions.

Abstract: A door hold-open latch and dual release mechanism includes a first latch for maintaining the door in its closed position and a second latch for maintaining the door in its open position. A first latch release is mounted on the door in a position accessible to an operator located in the cab for releasing the first latch. A second latch release is mounted on the door in a position accessible to an operator located in the cab for releasing the second latch. A third latch release is mounted on the door in a position accessible to an operator located on the ground for also releasing the second latch. The operator can actuate the second latch from either the cab using the second latch release or from ground level using the third latch release. Alternately, the third latch release can also release the first latch, and the operator can actuate the first latch using the third latch release.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a floating latching mechanism for a safe door. The safe door is secured to the safe box using several pins to latch the door to the safe box. The pins have a connecting end which is slightly smaller in diameter than the hole on the bar. This allows the pin to float on the bar to remedy any misalignment between the pin and the pin support member hole. A bushing is inserted into the pin support member hole to provide a noiseless and maintenance free movement of the pin every time the safe door is latched and unlatched. The floating latching mechanism allows for greatly simplified alignment of pins to the pin support member, and reduces maintenance and noise.

Abstract: A concealed latch for the door of a trailer includes an arm attached to a pivot fastened to the inside of a door on the trailer, a pair of locking bars attached to the arm, and an eyelet or U-shaped metal loop attached to one of the locking bars. One end of the arm is a handle and is more easily broken than the rest of the arm. The bars are attached to the arm on either side of the pivot and extend from the arm to floor or ceiling of the trailer. The door includes an aperture located adjacent the handle portion of the arm to provide access through the outer surface of the door to the arm. When the door is latched, the U-shaped metal loop is positioned adjacent a fixed U-shaped metal loop. A concealed shackle lock covers the two metal loops and fastens the loops together. The aperture in the door is enclosed from the inside to form a recess containing the handle and the lock, protecting them from a vertical blow with a hammer.

Abstract: A lock assembly comprising an L-shaped member (30) (120) having a first plate (32) (124) and a second plate (34) (122). Secured within the L-shaped member is a solid block core (50) (140) with openings (54) (64) (74) (90) (146) for receiving portions of lock hardware.