Abstract: An emergency device for a household appliance of the type comprising a door that has a prong is described. The emergency device has an emergency member, movable between a rest position and an operating position, in which the emergency member engages with the prong of the door when the door is in a closed position, and control means, capable to hold the emergency member in the rest position. The control means has a security element, electrically connected to a control logic of the household appliance, such that when the safety element is crossed by a suitable current intensity and/or when a temperature surrounding the safety element exceeds a preset threshold, the security element melts releasing the emergency member, the emergency member passing irreversibly from the rest position to the operating position, engaging with the prong of the door when the door is closed.

Abstract: A device for locking and unlocking the door of an electric household appliance. The device includes an electrically controlled actuator (25, 26), which can be coupled to a movable control member (20) through a movable transmission member (29), and which, as a consequence of successive activations, tends, through the transmission member (29), to make the control member (20) alternately assume a first position and a second position, in which the control member (20) retains and frees, respectively, the locking member (9), maintaining it in the disengaged position and allowing its passage into the engaged position, respectively.

Abstract: The invention describes a remote-actuable door opener for installation in a door having a preferably positionally fixed door frame and having a door leaf movably mounted thereon. The door leaf has a movable door opener catch (1) and a remote-actuable blocking device (2) which interacts directly or indirectly with the door opener catch (1) in such a way that the door opener catch (1) can be switched into a blocking position and into a release position. It is essential that an actuating device (200) is provided which automatically sets the door opener catch (1) into a position in which the door opener catch (1) abuts against the lock catch (90) in the closed position of the door. Here, the door opener catch (1) is in particular formed from a bearing body (110) and from a catch body (10) which is displaceably guided on the bearing body and which is driven by the actuating device (200) in the direction of the actuating movement.

Abstract: An actuator-controlled strike comprising a housing disposable within a doorframe and including a chamber for receiving a spring latch and a dead latch of a mortise-type lockset. A keeper is pivotably mounted within the chamber to restrain the spring latch. A pivotable spring latch lifter is positively driven by the keeper, and a pivotable dead latch release platform is supported by the keeper when the spring latch is locked within the strike. The keeper is released by the actuator and then may be rotated which causes rotation of the dead latch release platform, allowing the dead latch to enter the chamber. The keeper positively drives the spring latch lifter to lift the spring latch onto the external ramp of the strike. In an alternate embodiment, an internal ramp feature may be used instead of the spring latch lifter to positively lift the spring latch out of the chamber.

Abstract: A vertical door locking system includes a sliding latch mounted to a door that opens vertically, such as a garage door or corrugated self-storage door, and an electrically operated solenoid mounted at a fixed location on a guide rail for the door or the door frame. The latch includes a latchbolt that extends outward from the door to prevent the door from being raised vertically and the latchbolt has an opening at one end. The solenoid includes a spring operated solenoid rod that extends into the opening in the latchbolt to prevent the latchbolt from being retracted thereby preventing the door from being opened unless the solenoid is electrically operated to disengage the solenoid rod and release the latchbolt.

Abstract: A blocking device for a door of an electric household appliance in which a plate sliding on a support is selectively blocked in use in a engaging position with a striker of the door by a pawl selectively mobile between an extracted position and a retracted position from/into a sliding seat thereof, in which positions the pawl respectively engages/does not engage a perforation of the plate; wherein the pawl is selectively blocked in an extracted position by means of an electromagnet having a winding and a core mobile along the axis of the winding and operatively associated to a mobile slide parallel to the axis of the winding between a first and a second limit stop position, only in the first of which a protrusion of the slide cooperates with the pawl; a retaining device of push-push type being operatively associated on one side to the slide and on the opposite side to a pre-loaded spring sandwiched between the retaining device and a shoulder fixed in use to the support; the push-push device being configured t

Abstract: A lock device is adapted to unlock a lock by transferring a lock catch from a locking position to a releasing position. The device has an electric motor mechanically connected to an axle by means of at least one transmission means, and rotation of said axle actuates the lock catch. The device is characterized in that it comprises means for monitoring the current consumed by the electric motor.

Abstract: A lockable keeper arm extends across an opening of a door strike housing. A pivotally mounted transmission lever releasably engages the keeper arm. A pivotally mounted release lever releasably engages the transmission lever. An actuator engages the release lever at a point between the release lever pivot and the transmission lever and drives the release lever between alternate positions in either fail-safe and fail-secure modes. The actuator engagement point may be closer to the release lever pivot point than the transmission lever engagement point. A stop limits travel of the release lever and may be positioned in alternate positions. In alternate positions, the primary lever unlocks the keeper arm when the actuator is either energized or de-energized, placing the strike in fail-safe or fail-secure modes. Magnets may be mounted inside the housing to attract metal particles. The actuator may be an electric solenoid or a motor.

Abstract: An electric strike assembly includes a housing including a mounting device and defining an internal longitudinal cavity, a keeper pivotally arranged in the housing, and a selectively locatable component including a locking device to cooperate with the mounting device to secure the component at a predetermined incremental position along the length of the removable cavity. In accordance with other aspects of the present invention, an electric strike assembly includes a housing defining an internal longitudinal cavity, a keeper pivotally arranged in the housing, and a keeper shim assembly, including a shim, slidably engaged with the keeper to position the shim at a predetermined position along a length of the cavity. A method of securely capturing a latch bolt mounted in a door includes mounting an electric strike assembly in an associated door jamb and positioning a shim at a predetermined position in the cavity.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is disclosed including: a plunger; a plurality of locking elements; a cage including apertures in which the locking elements are housed; and a sleeve; the sleeve is moveable with respect to the cage between an unlocked position and a locked position; in the locked position, the sleeve maintains the locking elements in engagement with a recess on the plunger to restrict the movement of the plunger.

Abstract: A cover closure for housings of laboratory devices and the like, in particular for centrifuge housings, in which a cover hook is engaged by a closure hook and brought into a closing position, and the closing and opening movement of the closure hook essentially being caused by an eccentric in connection with a crank guide and a guide path.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved electric strike assembly (1) including a keeper (6) which is mounted to a housing (8). A locking means including an electrical actuator (9) and a detent (10) configured to resist adjustment of the detent (10) from an active lock condition. The detent (10) is preferably grooved so as to catch on the keeper (6) or housing (8) preventing it moving from an active condition.

Abstract: A high strength electrically operable door strike having a simplified design and a gravity fed locking member. The strike comprises two solenoids operating in opposite directions wherein one solenoid is used when the strike is mounted for use with a left hand opening door and the other solenoid is used when the strike is mounted for use with a right hand opening door. The strike is simply turned upside down to accommodate a door having the opposite hand. The strike has a housing which is reinforced with ribs. The ribs also provide a reduced surface area sliding surface for the gravity fed locking member and thereby permit the locking member to slide up and down with less friction.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrically controlled lock assembly (1) including a housing (10) and a retainer (6) mounted on the housing for movement relative thereto between an open and closed position. The lock assembly also includes locking means (12) including a detent (21) that when retained in an active position stops the retainer from moving relative to the housing. The lock assembly also includes an electrical actuator (14) being operable to cause the (10) retaining means to adopt a locked or released condition.

Abstract: A door locking system has a lock latch which is movable between a locked position projecting beyond a door lock cuff and a unlocked position retracted in the direction of the door lock cuff, and has a lock latch blocking device, movable between a blocking position and a release position, which fixes the lock latch in the locked position in the blocking position retracted toward the door lock, and releases the lock latch in the release position, which is extended in relation to the blocking position, in such a way that the lock latch is displaceable between the locked position and the unlocked position. The door locking system has a driver control mechanism.

Abstract: A striker cover completely conceals a striker and includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion. The first cover portion pivots with respect to the striker, and the second cover portion pivots with respect to the first cover portion. A spring element biases the first cover portion to pivot away from the striker. The second cover portion may be biased by inertia or a spring element to pivot toward the striker.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lock, in particular for a household appliance such as a tumble drier, a washing machine, a dishwasher or the like, having a movable retaining element, which is configured in particular in the manner of a slide. The retaining element interacts with a closure hook located on a closure element, such as a door, a cover, a flap or the like of the household appliance, which can be moved between an open and a closed state. The closure hook, in the closed state of the closure element, engages into the retaining element. Here, the closure hook is held by the retaining element in contact against a blocking face in such a way that a movement of the closure element into the open state is blocked. The blocking face is designed so as to be pivotable in the manner of a positive opener.

Abstract: An electric strike which provides vertical adjustability of the position of the strike relative to the latch bolt in the closure with modification to the doorframe on the dust box. A ramp element in the strike housing is adjustable relative to the strike and is securable at the time of installation to align the center of the latch bolt and strike. The ramp element has a channel to allow entry and exit of a latch bolt having a dead latch. A keeper engages the dead latch and maintains it in a retracted position when the closure is locked and is released when the electric latch solenoid is energized.

Abstract: An electric strike which provides vertical adjustability of the position of the strike relative to the latch bolt in the closure with modification to the doorframe on the dust box. A ramp element on the strike housing is slidably adjustable relative to the strike housing and is securable at the time of installation to align with the center of the latch bolt. The ramp element has a channel to allow entry and exit of a latch bolt having a dead latch. A keeper engages the dead latch and maintains it in a retracted position when the closure is locked and is released when the electric latch solenoid is energized. A travel limiting foot limits rotation of the keeper so that the latch bolt may transition from the keeper to the ramp element without interference.

Abstract: An electric strike which provides vertical adjustability of the position of the strike relative to the latch bolt in the closure with modification to the doorframe on the dust box. A ramp element in the strike housing is adjustable relative to the strike and is securable at the time of installation to align the center of the latch bolt and strike. The ramp element has a channel to allow entry and exit of a latch bolt having a dead latch. A keeper engages the dead latch and maintains it in a retracted position when the closure is locked and is released when the electric latch solenoid is energized.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an intumescent material as a sensor, actuator, or fixing means for movable elements in the field of fire and smoke protection.

Abstract: According to a vehicle door system (10), when a forward collision prediction sensor (76) predicts a forward collision of a vehicle (12), a state is immediately brought about where a terminal edge portion (54) at the rear end of a front door (16) is positioned more outwardly in the vehicle width direction than a terminal edge portion (56) at the front end of a rear door (18). Thus, even when the front door (16) is moved toward the rear door (18) side (that is, toward the rear of the vehicle) due to a forward collision or the like that has occurred after the forward collision is predicted, for example, it is possible to prevent the situation in which the front door (16) is jammed inside the rear door (18), more specifically, the situation in which a rear-end hemmed portion (60) of the front door (16) gets inside a front-end hemmed portion (62) of the rear door (18) with respect to the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: In a door strike for captivating and releasing a door bolt, the combination comprising a longitudinally elongated carrier, a longitudinally elongated solenoid supported by the carrier, the solenoid having a longitudinally movable plunger, a trip lever pivotally supported in or on the carrier, a laterally extending actuating arm pivotally supported in or on the carrier to be pivoted as the plunger moves longitudinally in response to solenoid energization, thereby to pivot the trip lever, a generally longitudinally extending blocking arm or arms pivotally supported in or on the carrier to be released for pivoting when the trip lever is pivoted, and a door bolt retainer or retainers pivotally supported in the carrier to be released for pivoting when the blocking arm or arms are released for pivoting, thereby to release the door bolt from captivation, for movement with the door. Dual springs are compressed by the plunger in response to solenoid energization.

Abstract: A multi-point locking system includes a body having an upper aperture and a lower aperture therein. An upper latch pawl is disposed in the upper aperture and is pivotable about a first vertical axis between a first retracted position and a first extended position. A lower latch pawl is disposed in the lower aperture and is pivotable about a second vertical axis between a second retracted position and a second extended position. At least one actuator is configured to move the upper and lower latch pawls between their retracted and extended positions. The body can be an astragal, a vertical frame member, or the like.

Abstract: A device (1) maintains a locked and closed state of a space separating device (2) in a releasable manner, in particular a protective device of a machine (4). The device has a first part (6) with an opening and a second part (8). The parts are movable relative to one another. The opening is at least partially closable. The device (1) includes a latch (18) for locking the closed state of the space-separating device (2), a holding element (30) for keeping the latch (18) in the latched position, and a release element (36) for releasing the catch of the latch (18). The catch of the latch (18) may be lifted by a rotational movement of the release element (36) relative to the latch (18).

Abstract: A latch assembly includes a housing having a cavity between first and second end walls. The housing includes first and second journal members and first and second swing arm apertures at the second end wall. A swing arm member having a joining end is positioned within the cavity having first and second swing arms connected to the joining end having portions extending freely through the first and second swing arm apertures. A keeper/catch member is rotatably connected to the first and second journal members. Keeper/catch member rotation from an orientation rotated away from a longitudinal axis defined by a portion of the first and second swing arms extending through the swing arm apertures to an orientation approximately parallel with the longitudinal axis creates an over-center locking condition for the housing and a pushing force acting through the keeper/catch member to push a first component into contact with a second component.

Abstract: A vehicle latch device including: a releasing unit that rotates about a support shaft provided on a holding member of an electric actuator and includes a cam pin and an output unit that disengages a latch from a ratchet by rotation of the releasing unit about the support shaft, where a driving force of the electric actuator being input to the cam pin; and a gear member that rotates about the support shaft, connects the electric actuator to the releasing unit, and inputs a driving force of the electric actuator into the input unit. The cam pin is arranged to be superimposed on a plane of rotation of the gear member, and the vehicle latch device further includes a cover member that is attached to the holding member and covers at least the support shaft, the input unit, the electric actuator, and the gear member.

Abstract: A surface mounted electric strike for use with an exit device such as a rim panic exit device. The electric strike has a housing with at least one keeper pivotally mounted to the housing. Each keeper has an associated cam with a detent. Release pawls engage detents on the cam in the locked position. A solenoid-operated unlock bar has stops, the position of which establishes whether the keepers are in a locked or unlocked position. The electric strike can be installed in either a fail safe or fail secure mode by locating the stops when the solenoid is de-energized in either a position which blocks or releases the release pawls. Other arrangements for establishing a selected operational mode include use of dual solenoids, use of dual locking bars and reversible release pawls.

Abstract: A high strength electrically operable door strike having a simplified design and a gravity fed locking member. The strike comprises two solenoids operating in opposite directions wherein one solenoid is used when the strike is mounted for use with a left hand opening door and the other solenoid is used when the strike is mounted for use with a right hand opening door. The strike is simply turned upside down to accommodate a door having the opposite hand. The strike has a housing which is reinforced with ribs. The ribs also provide a reduced surface area sliding surface for the gravity fed locking member and thereby permit the locking member to slide up and down with less friction.

Abstract: A lockable keeper arm extends across an opening of a door strike housing. A pivotally mounted transmission lever releasably engages the keeper arm. A pivotally mounted release lever releasably engages the transmission lever. An actuator engages the release lever at a point between the release lever pivot and the transmission lever and drives the release lever between alternate positions in either fail-safe and fail-secure modes. The actuator engagement point may be closer to the release lever pivot point than the transmission lever engagement point. A stop limits travel of the release lever and may be positioned in alternate positions. In alternate positions, the primary lever unlocks the keeper arm when the actuator is either energized or de-energized, placing the strike in fail-safe or fail-secure modes. Magnets may be mounted inside the housing to attract metal particles. The actuator may be an electric solenoid or a motor.

Abstract: An electric strike according to the present invention comprises a housing, and an actuator mounted to the housing to switch operation of said strike between open and locked modes. In changing the modes the actuator provides lateral motion and a blocking element is included that is also mounted to the housing and cooperates with the actuator. The actuator's lateral motion causes rotational movement in the blocking element to switch between said open and locked modes. Different embodiments of the present invention can operate as dual mode electric strikes wherein the actuator is movable between fail-safe and fail-secure positions, and can include switches and paddles to monitor the position or condition of certain mechanisms in or working with the strikes. In some embodiments the blocking element can be rotatably mounted to the housing at a plurality of rotation mounting points and can comprise a plurality of blocking surfaces.

Abstract: An electric door lock interchangeable between fail safe and fail secure modes comprising a housing for receiving a plurality of internal components of the door lock. A window is included in the housing, the window allowing access to the internal components to change the operation of the lock between fail safe an fail secure modes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door opener system having a door opener, which comprises a pivot latch pivotable into the door opener having a stop, having a striker plate, and having a lock latch guide running diagonally inward into the door opener for guiding the lock latch, an adapter part being provided, on which the lock latch guide is implemented and which is situated between the door opener and the striker plate. In order to obtain a flexibly usable and simultaneously reliably functioning door opener system, the lock latch guide is implemented as a slide face, which runs continuously over the stop width and is situated on the door side next to the stop of the pivot latch and adjoining thereto.

Abstract: An actuator-controlled strike comprising a housing disposable within a doorframe and including a cavity for a spring latch and a dead latch of a mortise-typelockset. A keeper is pivotably mounted within the chamber to engage the spring latch. A pivotably mounted kicker cooperates with the keeper. A pivotably mounted dead latch release is supported by the keeper when the spring latch is within the strike. The keeper is released by the actuator and rotates into a position to ramp the spring latch out of the strike, also allowing the dead latch release to release the dead latch into the cavity, allowing the spring latch to be ramped out of the strike. Pivoting the keeper causes the kicker to urge the spring latch onto an exit ramp on a face of the keeper. The dead latch release can be installed in a plurality of different locations in the housing.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock comprising a locking mechanism (1, 2) and a closing/opening device (3 to 7) including a drive (3, 4, 5), acting upon the locking mechanism (1, 2), wherein the drive (3, 4, 5) is configured as a linear drive (3, 4, 5).

Abstract: A powered striker mechanism for mounting to a support structure and for engagement with a latch mechanism to close a door. The powered striker mechanism may include a striker and a drive mechanism. The striker may include a front post that is capable of engagement with the latch. The drive mechanism may be secured to a housing, wherein the drive mechanism is engaged with a worm gear to drive a cam. A taumel gear may be driven by the cam, wherein the taumel gear includes an output post. A slide plate may be located adjacent to the housing and a slot may be located in the slide plate, wherein the post may move the striker linearly along the slot to pull the door closed. The drive mechanism may alternatively utilize a rack and pinion configuration.

Abstract: An electrically actuatable door opener for releasing a door is provided. The electrically actuatable door opener comprises a swivelable pivot latch which is arranged for holding or releasing a lock latch, a catch lever, a latch lever which can be moved between a position blocking the pivot latch and a position releasing the pivot latch, and which is arranged in relation to the catch lever in such a way that it can be locked by the catch lever in the blocking position, and a positioning actuator through which the catch lever can be moved from the position locking the latch lever to the position releasing the latch lever. A method for unlocking a door opener is also provided.

Abstract: An electronic locking system for vending machines or the like is provided for locking and unlocking the machine preferably with a remotely controlled electronic operating device.

Abstract: An electromagnetic lock comprises: a body combined with a retaining frame by using locking studs and retaining screws; one side of the retaining frame being installed with a trigger receiving box; and an absorption plate combined to a supporting frame; two metal rings being installed in the absorption plate; the absorption plate having locking screws; wherein in installation, for aligning the body and the absorption plate, adjusting screws are installed between the absorption plate and the supporting frame. The supporting frame has screw holes for receiving the adjusting screws; one side of the supporting frame has two magnetic holes for receiving magnets; a magnet protection sheet are installed at lower side of the magnets; and a small screw serves to lock the protection sheet to the supporting frame. The trigger can be hidden so as to occupy a small space and the installation work is easy.

Abstract: An aircraft door mechanism includes a solenoid connected to a support assembly. The solenoid displaces the latch pin between a solenoid energized and a solenoid de-energized position. A catch assembly rotatably connected to the support assembly is positioned to engage a 3½ degree or less taper portion of the latch pin in the solenoid energized position. When the latch pin moves to the solenoid de-energized position, a latch bolt supported by the door rotates the catch assembly. The latch bolt includes a distal bulbous end which multiplies the force applied to the door to rotate the catch assembly. If the latch pin is extended, a substantially greater force is required to force the latch pin to the solenoid de-energized position owing to the reduced taper of the latch pin. Authorized door entry is therefore easier and unauthorized door entry is made more difficult.

Abstract: A blocking device for a door of an electric household appliance in which a plate sliding on a support is selectively blocked in use in a engaging position with a striker of the door by a pawl selectively mobile between an extracted position and a retracted position from/into a sliding seat thereof, in which positions the pawl respectively engages/does not engage a perforation of the plate; wherein the pawl is selectively blocked in an extracted position by means of an electromagnet having a winding and a core mobile along the axis of the winding and operatively associated to a mobile slide parallel to the axis of the winding between a first and a second limit stop position, only in the first of which a protrusion of the slide cooperates with the pawl; a retaining device of push-push type being operatively associated on one side to the slide and on the opposite side to a pre-loaded spring sandwiched between the retaining device and a shoulder fixed in use to the support; the push-push device being configured t

Abstract: An electromechanical push to close latch has a pawl positioned for linear movement in a housing, with the pawl being biased to the outward extended position. An electric motor operates a cam to change the position of the pawl thereby retracting it into the housing. An electronic circuit board controls the operation of the electric motor under the direction of an outside control signal. The circuit board also senses the position of the pawl to stop the operation of the motor when the pawl is fully retracted. The pawl mounting can be reconfigured for the pawl to extend and thereby operate in a plurality of selectable directions.

Abstract: A lock device is adapted to unlock a lock by transferring a lock catch from a locking position to a releasing position. The device has an electric motor mechanically connected to an axle by means of at least one transmission means, and rotation of said axle actuates the lock catch. The device is characterized in that it comprises means for monitoring the current consumed by the electric motor.

Abstract: An electric strike that facilitates setting a door security mode includes a housing, a lever, an electromagnetic actuating device, and an adjustment device adapted to be fitted through the housing formed with a chamber and a recess. The lever is able to rotate in the chamber or stretch towards outside and has a first locking device. The electromagnetic actuating device can be moved linearly in the recess and is connected to a second locking device. The adjustment device can be moved parallel to the longitudinal axis of the electromagnetic actuating device with one of its ends abutting against the electromagnetic actuating device and the other end able to be manipulated from outside of the electric strike to change the door security mode, thereby the second locking device is moved to a locked position or an unlocked position with respect to the first locking device when the power is off.

Abstract: An electric rim strike including a housing having a cavity defined therein; a pivotally rotatable keeper having a front blocking face; a pivotally rotatable locking bar having a rear blocking face; and an actuating mechanism that selectively pivots the locking bar. The keeper, locking bar, and actuating mechanism are disposed within the cavity of the housing. The actuating mechanism being operationally connected to the locking bar and driving the locking bar and the keeper from a first state to a second state. The rear blocking face of the locking bar opposes the front blocking face of the keeper to prevent the locking bar and keeper from freely rotating relative to each other.

Abstract: A door strike including: a latch retainer for retaining a door latch; a lock actuator which operates when power is applied; a mode selector rotatable between at least two positions; in a first position of the mode selector the strike adopts a power to open mode, in the second position of the mode selector the strike adopts a power to lock mode.

Abstract: An strike door keeper assembly having first and second bodies matable to form an assembly body, a keeper subassembly disposed within said assembly body, and an actuator member such as an electric solenoid disposed within said assembly body the actuating member terminating in a blocker, wherein said keeper subassembly includes an axle journaled in at least one of said first and second interlocking bodies, a keeper flange pivotable on an axis of said axle and protruding through an opening in one of said first and second interlocking bodies, and a tang extending into interfering relationship with said blocker to fix said keeper flange in a locking position when said solenoid is in one of an energized and a de-energized state. In one aspect of the invention, the assembly includes a faceplate assembly having flanges and keys for mounting and preventing rotation of the door keeper assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking system (20) for a movable lateral cowl (8) of a turbine engine nacelle intended to be connected to a pylon (4) of an aircraft, comprising, on the one hand, a clevis (21) intended to be connected to the pylon, and, on the other hand, a rod (22) intended to be mounted on the movable cowl and capable of engaging with the clevis when the movable cowl is in the closed position, characterized in that the rod is mounted so that it can move translationally along a substantially longitudinal axis of the movable cowl so as to form a slider which can shift between a locked position, in which it is engaged with the clevis and provides a structural connection between the pylon and the movable cowl, and an unlocked position, in which it is disengaged from the clevis and allows the movable cowl to be opened.

Abstract: An electric strike includes a base member and a lock assembly mounted in the base member. The lock assembly includes a latch bolt keeper pivotally mounted in the base member by an axle. A control assembly is securely received in the base member. The control assembly includes a solenoid and a stopper driven by the solenoid for selectively engaged to a bottom of the latch bolt keeper to selectively limit a movement of the latch bolt keeper.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrically controlled lock assembly (1) including a housing (10) and a retainer (6) mounted on the housing for movement relative thereto between an open and closed position. The lock assembly also includes locking means (12) including a detent (21) that when retained in an active position stops the retainer from moving relative to the housing. The lock assembly also includes an electrical actuator (14) being operable to cause the (10) retaining means to adopt a locked or released condition.