Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system comprising a schoollock-mount coupleable to a doorframe of a door; a schoollock-pin slidably coupleable to the schoollock-mount; a schoollock-arm slidably coupleable to the schoollock-pin; and a schoollock-door-latch. The schoollock-door-latch is coupleable to the door via the one or more apertures.

Abstract: A method of operating a window having a sash and a window opening limit device includes moving the sash from a closed position to a limited position. When in the limited position, the window opening limit device is in a projected position, and the sash is engaged with the window opening limit device. Moving the window opening limit device to a retracted position disengages the sash and the window opening limit device. The sash may then be moved from the limited position to an open range. When the sash is returned to the closed position, the window opening limit device automatically returns to the projected position, and the sash is disengaged with the window opening limit device.

Abstract: A lock for securing a toolbox to a support structure, the lock comprising: a first lock portion configured to receive a first part of the toolbox or a first attachment of the toolbox; and a second lock portion configured to engage a second part of the toolbox or a second attachment of the toolbox, the second lock portion being lockable to inhibit or substantially prevent disengagement of the second part or second attachment, wherein: the second lock portion is remote from the first lock portion, the first and second lock portions are securable with respect to a support structure, and the first lock portion is configured to guide movement of the second part of the toolbox or the second attachment of the toolbox into engagement with the second lock portion.

Abstract: A housing for enclosing optical components may include a series of fasteners, such as magnets, around the perimeter of the housing. The housing may also include a male and female or tongue-in-groove style coupling around the perimeter of the housing that may work in conjunction with fasteners around the perimeter of the housing. The perimeter of the housing may further include one or more insertion elements for receiving optical elements such as optical fibers, cables, or other wiring. An outer wall surface of the housing may include latches formed by flanges having a cavity that receive flanges without a cavity.

Abstract: A closure assembly for securing a moveable panel relative to a body of a vehicle includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. A biasing mechanism includes a bumper fixedly attached to the striker assembly, and an arm fixedly attached to the latch mechanism. The arm is flexible about an axis in one of an inward direction or an outward direction. The arm engages the bumper and is biased inward in response to movement of the latch mechanism toward the striker assembly for simultaneously biasing the latch mechanism in a lateral direction and an axial direction to dampen movement of the latch mechanism relative to the striker assembly.

Abstract: An espagnolette lock for a door or shutter. An actuating shaft can be rotatably mounted within the interior of a housing and can be coupled with a lock-actuator. The actuating shaft is monolithically formed with a tongue. A securement mechanism is configured for insertion into the housing parallel to the plane of a door panel or of the shutter for fixing the housing in position on the door panel or shutter. The securement mechanism is further configured for being supported against the door panel or shutter. When a mounting of the espagnolette lock is completed, the securement mechanism is configured to engage the actuating shaft to thereby secure and fix the actuating shaft in position in the housing.

Abstract: A pawl assembly that can be installed to the output shaft of a latch mechanism more easily, and in some embodiments without the use of tools, as compared to prior art pawls.

Abstract: A retaining bracket for a fence gate used to secure the gates in a closed position relative to the fence includes a pair of axial members and a center “U”-shaped neck portion. Each opposing axial member is comprised of a straight rod and is attached to the neck portion. In use, a user holds an existing gate in the closed position and inserts an end portion of each axial member downward into a top-facing aperture located in a fence post and an adjacently opposing gate posts, thereby retaining the gate in its closed position.

Abstract: The reversible mortise lock of the present invention can be installed on either the left or right side edges of a door opposite the door hinges. The lock includes a housing with a live bolt pivotally and slidably mounted in the housing. The live bolt slides between an extended position beyond the housing and a fully retracted position within the housing. When fully retracted, the live bolt can be rotated 180° so that the beveled face of the live bolt can be reversed. A finger pivotally mounted within the housing blocks full retraction of the live bolt when the mortise lock is installed in the door.

Abstract: A door latch operator includes a hand grip actuator lever for retracting one or more latch bolts mounted at a free side edge of a door, such as an entry door for a residence or place of business. The actuator lever is pivotally mounted at an inboard side of a manually grasped handle for grasping and squeezing with the fingers against the door handle to operate a torque converter or cam module for indexing a rotary cam through a rotary step. The rotary cam is coupled to a latch bolt retractor mechanism for retracting the latch bolt or bolts and thereby permit opening of the door. In a preferred form, the latch bolt retractor mechanism operates multiple latch bolts mounted along the free side edge of the door.

Abstract: The description relates to a tolerance compensating device for rotating bolts and swiveling bolts, in particular a tolerance compensating device for non-engaging tongues, that is, for example, for pull-turn bolts or swiveling bolts of closures for mounting in thin walls such as sheet-metal cabinets with a frame and door. The closure has a housing which holds a pull-turn bolt so as to be axially displaceable and rotatable or a housing which supports a swiveling bolt, which bolt is provided near its free end with a bore hole in which a back-engaging device is held to as to be displaceable perpendicular to the back-engagement plane. According to the invention, the back-engaging device has a spring which forces the back-engaging device in direction of the back-engagement surface in the closed position of the closure.

Abstract: An exemplary housing of a foldable electronic device includes a first cover, a second cover, a latching member, a contact member, and a resilient member. The first cover includes a lock receiving portion. The second cover includes a fixing portion. The latching member includes a pivot hole, a first transmission portion, and a lock portion configured for engaging with the lock receiving portion. The pivot hole engages with the fixing portion such that the latching member is rotatable relative to the fixing portion. The contact member includes a second transmission portion. The second transmission portion engages with the first transmission portion and is able to drive the latching member to rotate. The resilient member drives the latching member to rotate to its original position.

Abstract: A latch has a bushing which has at least one bushing projection or means for preventing insertion of an unauthorized tool to rotate a latch actuator of the latch. Only a key having an outer key recess which can mate with bushing projection on the bushing permits insertion of the key. The cap subassembly of the latch is provided with projections which are of a size and so positioned as to correspond with the internal recesses of the key so as to allow the cap subassembly to enter into the bore of the key and permit a mating engagement of internal recesses on the key and projections on the cap subassembly. Because cap portion rotates freely on top of the cap subassembly which is the part of the cap driven by the key, the arrangement makes it impossible, or at least very difficult, to rotate the shaft and in turn the pawl by means of a tool which rotates the cap portion.

Abstract: Quick release couplings for releasably coupling components of a computer to the computer are disclosed. The quick release coupling mechanisms are generally configured to allow tool-less placement of the components relative to the computer. That is, the quick release coupling mechanisms are configured to perform their couplings without using conventional fasteners such as screws, bolts, etc. By eliminating the use of fasteners, the components may be inserted and removed from the computer without using tools (e.g., tool-less). Furthermore, the quick release couplings are easy to maneuver thereby enabling quick and straightforward assembly and disassembly of the components to and from the computer (e.g., quick release). For example, the components may be inserted and removed by a simple pushing or pulling motion, and/or by a simple flick of a latch or handle.

Abstract: A sliding-action slam latch includes an integrally molded actuator having a rigid portion and an flexible portion, the flexible portion serving to bias the actuator closed. Pins extending from the rigid portion of the actuator contact guide surfaces on the latch body to limit travel of the actuator.

Abstract: A four position gate latch (20) that is used to fasten and lock a gate. The gate latch includes a self fastening gravity gate latch (22) that is fastened to one face of the gate. A gate latch bracket (28) is fastened to the gate on an opposed face, mating with said gate latch. A latch striker bar slideably extends from the bracket such that the striker bar interfaces with the gate latch and links the gate portions together. A locking bolt (60) slideably extends though the bracket, allowing it to interface with the gate latch and provide positive locking capabilities. The gate latch is capable of being placed in a self fastening gravity gate latch conventional position, a locked position with the locking bolt penetrating a padlock hole, an unlatched position that permits the gate to swing inward on the gate latch side without interference, and a free-swinging position that permits the gate to pivot in both directions.

Abstract: A locking necked barrel bolt apparatus includes an attachment plate having a hollow barrel body attached to an upper surface thereof. A neck bolt having first and second sections rotatably connected to one another is slidably disposed within the barrel body. The first section has a handle extending therefrom and the second section has an angled portion configured to be inserted into an aperture of a locking plate. The handle of the first section is capable of being turned into a locking notch of the apparatus to secondarily lock the apparatus and prevent the bolt from unwantingly being removed from the locking plate.

Abstract: A lift gate latch is used in connection with a lift gate and a handrail on a boat. The handrail has a jamb, and the lift gate has at least one stile. The lift gate latch has left and right side walls spaced apart and disposed adjacent the deck of the boat. Reinforcing ribs extend along both side walls, which straddle the jamb and the stile. A transverse member and a base member extend between the side walls. A portion of the right side wall has a height lower than the left side wall height, so that the stile can pass easily over it when opening and closing the gate. Fasteners pass through holes in the side walls and attach to the deck. Bosses are juxtaposed with the holes. The fasteners and bosses strengthen the side wall adjacent each hole.

Abstract: A lock for preventing one member from moving relative to another member has a housing securable to one member, and a plunger unit mounted in the housing. The plunger unit has a sleeve, a plunger slidably mounted in the sleeve, and a spring acting between the plunger and the sleeve to resiliently bias the plunger to a locking position in which a free end portion of the plunger projects from one end of the sleeve. The plunger also has a manually operable portion projecting from an opposite end of the sleeve. In the locking position, the free end portion of the plunger projects from the housing to extend into an aperture in the other member, when the housing is secured to the one member, and thereby prevent relative movement between the members. The plunger also has an unlocking position in which the free end portion thereof is withdrawn from the aperture in the other member by pulling the manually operable portion against the action of the spring.

Abstract: A window securing device (36) for use in a double-hung sash window assembly having upper and lower sash window frames (14,16) installed for relative overlapping vertical sliding movement, said upper sash frame (14) having a recess into the interior of a vertical facial member of the window. The device (36) includes a housing (38) having a front faceplate opening (51) into a cavity (50) therein and a means for retaining the housing (38) in the recess with the faceplate (42) covering the edges of the recess. A pawl (40) mounted in the cavity (50) of the housing (38) is spring biased into an extended position where the lowermost arresting edge protrudes through the opening (51). In effect, the extended pawl (40) blocks the pathway of a top portion of the lower sash (16) for preventing further upward movement thereof.

Abstract: A rotating-lock closure is provided with a traction unit, wherein the closure comprises a housing having a first bearing area for the receiving head of a key to be inserted as well as a second bearing area for the rotating-lock driving support that supports said rotating lock and is mounted so as to be capable of axial and sliding displacement and of rotation in the second bearing area. A shaft having a rounded cross section and extending from the key receiving head protrudes relative to the rotating-lock driving support and has a transverse opening at its protruding end for receiving a pin. A cam track, on which the pin is guided against the force of a spring, is formed by the side of the lock facing away from the housing.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for securing a panel member to a support member. The mechanism includes a rotary assembly that is flush mounted in the panel and which contains a radially extended arm that is rotatable into and out of latching engagement with the support member. The rotary mechanism further contains a key that is spring loaded into a locked position when the arm is in a latched position. The key further contains lugs that are maintained in a guideway to control the movement of the key. The guideway directs the key downwardly in an axial direction when the key is depressed moving the key out of the locked position into an unlocked position. When the key is in the unlocked position, the rotary assembly can be turned to bring the latching arm to an unlatched position. The guideway is arranged to hold the key in a depressed condition any time the latch mechanism is not latched.

Abstract: A door latch for latching a door of an electrical equipment enclosure includes a latch body and a latch rod rotatable between locked and unlocked conditions. The latch rod includes a stem with a first end rotatably coupled to the latch body, an extension rod with a first end coupled to a second end of the stem, and a hook coupled to a second end of the extension rod. The extension rod is dimensioned to contact a portion of the electrical equipment enclosure when the latch rod is in the locked condition. The hook is separated from the portion of the electrical equipment enclosure by a clearance distance “x” during a quiescent condition within the electrical enclosure. The hook contacts the portion of the electrical equipment enclosure during a pressurized condition within the electrical equipment enclosure.

Abstract: A pawl latch having slam-action latching and rotational unlatching actuation is mounted in an aperture formed in a closure panel for releasably retaining the closure panel against a corresponding frame, the pawl latch including a one-piece body with a pawl, a gripping portion, mounting elements, and a spring member, the spring member having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the latch body and the second end being held by the closure panel to provide a biasing force to return the pawl to its active position where it is aligned with a keeper member provided on the corresponding frame for slam action latching of the latch.

Abstract: A gate assembly includes a gate disposed between two vertical columns with attaching members on opposite sides of the gate and engagable with the vertical columns. The locking mechanism includes a U-shaped hinge member fixedly attached on each side of a gate panel and a pivoting U-shaped latching member attached to each side of a gate panel, a hinge-U of the hinge member and a latch-U of the latch member being in cooperating relation when engaged with the vertical columns to lock a gate in a closed position. The gate assembly provides that the locking mechanism is operable on both sides of the gate.

Abstract: A latch that secures a closure member includes a bolt and a support member, with the support member attaching the bolt to a part, which could be a door frame. The support member is configured with head and shank portions, so that when the support member is tightened to the part, the bolt is free to rotate and slide about the shank. The bolt is held captive on the support member by a shoulder of the head, and a longitudinal slot in the bolt allows the bolt to rotate and slide about the shank. The bolt has a second slot with parallel sides that engage parallel flat surfaces of the support member head, thereby suspending the bolt in a horizontal closure locking position to allow unobstructed opening or closing of the closure member.

Abstract: A new interior window locking system for preventing intruders from gaining illegal entry into a building. The inventive device includes a pair of horizontally disposed guide rails secured above and below a window within a window frame. A pair of square tubing frames are slidably disposed between the guide rails. Each of the frames have a steel grate disposed therein. A spring-loaded latch assembly is disposed on corresponding inner members of the pair of square tubing frames for engagement thereof.

Abstract: A keyless floor mounted door lock of this invention has a horizontal rectangular frame with a rectangular opening therein having first and second sides and opposite ends. A first downwardly extending bar is secured to one of the sides of the frame and a second downwardly extending bar extends parallel thereto in spaced relation. A pivotal surface is located on the under side of the frame at the ends of the slot which is created by the space between the first and second bars. A stop plate has a size slightly smaller than the opening in the frame and is slidably mounted in the slot when in a vertical position, and has opposite sides and opposite ends. Hinge elements are located on one of the sides of the stop plate adjacent the ends, and have a tang element extending longitudinally from each end for engagement with a pivotal surface on the bottom face of the frame.

Abstract: A latch for maintaining a sliding door in one of several modes such as a child-safety mode. When in the child-safety mode, the range of motion of the sliding door is restricted, however, the latch may be disengaged by an adult from either side of the sliding door. The latch may also be employed in a security mode to prevent any opening of the sliding door from the exterior side. The latch may additionally be employed in a ventilation mode wherein the sliding door is slightly opened with overriding of the latch available only from the interior of the sliding door.

Abstract: A gate and door latch having alternate means of opening and closing either by a horizontal sliding action of a striker or pivoting of the striker. The striker is manipulated into an open or closed position by means of latching or unlatching the striker member from a pronged keeper. A striker slot allows the striker member to be slid horizontally from side to side in an open or closed position or to pivot about a striker pivot bolt in an open or closed position. A rear lever handle is secured to the back side of the gate or door allowing for opening or closing the latch from the rear by rotating the rear lever handle. Rotation of the rear lever handle actuates a lever located on the front side of the gate and door latch causing the lifting and pivoting of the striker into an open position.

Abstract: A door securing device has a body adapted for mounting on the door frame with a generally rectangular plate adjacent the body opposite the frame. The plate is attached to an arbor that slides axially perpendicularly to the inside wall. It is controlled by a groove and lug camming arrangement and can be rotated a selected amount to allow limited axial movement in selected rotational positions. The plate is shaped to clear the door when in a stowed position against the body. Pulled out, or actuated, the plate can rotate to place a plate extension in position to secure the door when slightly opened. The plate is moved back to stowing position by reversing the procedure engages the door in the closed position. A latch and latch release trigger is provided to release the arbor, and the plate, to extend to the actuated position.

Abstract: A door lock has a base securable to a door or door frame, and a locking arm pivotally connected to the base and movable when the base is secured to the door or the door frame to a blocking position where the door is prevented from opening and a retracted position where the locking arm is retracted from the door locking position. The locking arm is biased to the retracted position to facilitate closing the door when the base is secured to the door or to the door frame. A locking device is slidably mounted on the base for sliding movement to a locking position in a direction parallel to the plane of the door to engage the locking arm and hold the locking arm in the blocking position against the biasing when the door is closed, thereby locking the door. The door is unlocked by sliding movement of the locking device to an unlocking position in a direction opposite to the first mentioned direction to become disengaged from the locking arm, whereby the biasing returns the locking arm to the retracted position.

Abstract: A locking mechanism comprises a housing, a shaft extending in the housing and having a latch member thereon adjacent to one end thereof, and an actuating lever adjacent to an opposite end of a shaft. The shaft, actuating lever, and housing are interconnected in a manner that causes the shaft to move longitudinally in response to turning of the actuating lever to a predetermined extent from a rest position, so that the latch member moves from a first position to a second position, and for causing the shaft to tilt in response to continued turning of the actuating lever, so that the latch member is turned away from the second position.

Abstract: A door securing device with an elongated, rigid bar that is attachable to a pair of lock posts affixed to the door or door frame of the building or other secured area to be protected against unwanted entry. The bar has an opening in each of its ends, each for receiving one of the lock posts. The first lock post has a groove therein in which the bar slides within the constraints of the opening corresponding with that post. The second lock post has a narrow neck which receives the bar via the corresponding opening therein, and an enlarged base which receives and locks the bar in place when the bar is axially slid along the post thereby allowing a lock to be closed over the narrow neck to secure the door of the building.

Abstract: A door latch assembly having open and closed positions comprises a door latch and a locking clip removably mounted upon it. The door latch has a bracket mounted on a door and an elongated bolt with a shank slidably and rotatably seated in the bracket. The bolt includes a shank with a handle at one end and a locking arm at the other end extending substantially perpendicularly to the shank. The bolt is rotatable at least 90.degree. about its axis to move the arm between a first position to a second position, and is also reciprocable axially in the bracket to move the arm portion from a first position spaced from the bracket to a second position adjacent to the bracket. The locking clip is removably mounted upon the shank of the bolt between the locking arm of the bolt and the bracket in the first axial position of the bolt, so that, when the clip is mounted upon the bolt, the clip restricts the axial movement of the bolt from the first position by its abutment against the bracket.

Abstract: A metal replacement latch associated with a plastic closure lid provided for the open upper end of a seed box on a seed planter. The replacement latch includes a metal bracket formed into U-shaped or V-shaped configuration having a pair of legs closely associated with and in engagement with the inner and outer surface of a depending flange provided on the plastic closure lid. The bracket is secured in place by fastening devices and includes an upwardly inclined projection on the upper edge of the inner leg of the bracket which extends toward the seed box to engage a downturned plastic flange on the upper end of a seed box to releasably retain the closure lid of the seed box in closed position. The metal latch replaces a plastic latch provided as original equipment on planter in which flexing of the plastic latch results in breakage of the latch which then requires replacement of the entire closure lid.

Abstract: An abutment swivel doorstop has a mounting plate mountable onto a door frame, a stop member pivotally and slidably mounted on the mounting plate, a biasing means for urging the stop member in the disengaged position, a keeper pivotally mounted on the mounting plate, and a latch mountable on a door which is hingedly mounted within the door frame. The stop member is rotatable between a door opening position and a door blocking position and slidable between a disengaged and engaged position. The keeper is rotatable relative to the stop member between a locked and an unlocked condition. The keeper has a cam for urging the stop member against the biasing means and into the engaged condition as the keeper rotates between the locked and unlocked conditions. As the keeper rotates between the locked and unlocked conditions, the stop member engages and disengages the mounting plate and the latch for locking and unlocking the door to the door frame.

Abstract: A latch with multiple locking means comprising first, second and third supporting bases for attaching to the surface of a door, gate or jamb. The latch is engaged and disengaged by pivoting a striker through interstices defined between the supporting bases and first and second stirrup members. The latch is locked from the inside by securing a padlock through a passage created by an aperture in a handle and an aperture in a first stirrup member. Additional means of locking the latch is provided by a winged unit attached to the end of the striker. The winged unit engages a double-pronged keeper and is padlocked thereto. The double-pronged keeper comprises two inclining prongs along which the striker slides. Located on an upper portion of the inclining prongs are notches in which the striker fails and is securely held. Another means for locking the latch is provided by a pin which passes through an aperture in the handle and a coninciding aperture in the first stirrup member.

Abstract: A door lock has a body portion securable to a door jamb so as to project therefrom into a room, and a locking portion pivotally mounted on the body portion for angular movement relative thereto about a vertical axis between a locking position preventing opening of a door and an unlocking position permitting opening of the door. One of the portions has a projection engageable in a recess in the other portion to retain the locking portion in the locking position. The locking portion is capable of a limited amount of transverse movement relative to the body portion in a horizontal direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of opening movement of the door to enable the projection to be engaged in and disengaged from the recess.

Abstract: A door check arrangement for a van door is provided which, in a preferred embodiment, includes an arm connected to the door and translationally connected to the vehicle along an end; a track mounted within the vehicle receiving the arm and having a striker plate and an entrapment section; a support connected to the arm second end and having a first slot with first and second ends and a second slot with first and second surfaces angled from one another; a detent plate having a surface inclined with respect to the striker plate and also having first and second pivot pins mounted within the first and second slots; and a spring biasing the detent plate to place the first pivot pin toward the first slot first end and the second pivot pin on the first surface of the second slot, whereby motion of the door from a closed to a checked open position causes the detent plate inclined surface to contact the striker and to pivot the detent plate in a first angular direction and wherein further movement of the door toward a

Abstract: A draw latch includes a handle assembly comprising a base, a lever and a catch. The handle assembly is mounted on a first panel and is adapted for fastening a keeper mounted on a second panel. When the latch is fastened, the catch engages the keeper which operates to draw the panels together. When the latch is unfastened, rotation of the lever provides corresponding rotation or "kick-out" of the catch from engagement with the keeper.

Abstract: A latch assembly is mounted in an aperture formed in a first member. The latch assembly includes a housing which is received within the aperture of the first member and includes an aperture extending therethrough. A slide is included which is received through the aperture of the housing. A pawl is also provided on the slide. A handle is pivotally attached to the slide for facilitating movement of the slide and pawl axially as the handle is pivoted between closed and opened positions. The pawl engages a second member in a latched position when the handle is pivoted to its closed position. The handle is also adapted for movement in a direction generally along a longitudinal axis thereof upon the closing and the opening of the handle which enables a first end of the handle to be positioned proximate to the housing when the handle is in its closed position.

Abstract: A door locking mechanism for locking a first slidable door to a second door. A base member is mounted to a side of the second door and is positioned parallel the first door. A hinge member is mounted to the base member so as to pivot about a vertical axis. A receiving member is mounted to a face of the first door so as to be engageable by the hinge member. The hinge member includes a slidable tab portion with a downwardly extending tab. The hinge member is rotated away from the base member and the tab portion is slid downward to engage the locking mechanism within the receiving member.

Abstract: A centrally located window release retractor handle for a tilt-in window is presented. The handle readily attaches to an existing tilt-in window top sash. Attached to the handle is a retractor wheel. Attached to the retractor wheel are left and right retractor cables which are in turn attached to the left and right window release retractors. As the handle and wheel are rotated, the retractor cables are tensioned and draw the window release retractors inwardly. This action allows the tilt-in window to release at the top. The window may then be tilted inwardly by use of the handle leaving the user's other hand free to clean the window. The device is suitable to be mounted on the top of existing tilt-in windows although it may also be manufactured as a complete unit with the handle and retractor cables completely inside the top sash.

Abstract: A safety latching device for refrigerators of the type having at least one vertically-hinged door extending the entire length of the refrigerator. The safety latching device includes an elongated support base having a latching bar rotatably attached thereto secured to the top of the refrigerator, and a coupling plate having a slot therein secured to the top of the refrigerator door in alignment with the latching bar. To prevent the refrigerator door from being opened by a young child, the latching bar is positioned in the coupling plate slot. To allow access to the refrigerator by an adult, the latching bar is rotatably moved from the slot. For refrigerators having more than one vertically-hinged door, the safety latching device utilizes a pair of latching bars with a pair of corresponding coupling plates.

Abstract: A warning sign hinge-mounted on the side of a vehicle, for warning motorists against blocking access, as by parking in close proximity, of a wheelchair to a wheelchair lift aboard the vehicle. The sign includes warning indicia and reflectors, and has a distinctive shape. The sign is manually latched to the vehicle side when not in service, and manually released for deployment. Springs urge the sign into the deployed position perpendicular to the vehicle side when not latched in the stowed position.

Abstract: A pawl latch that provides an integral gripping feature to facilitate opening panels and a visual indication of latch closure. The front portion of the latch has two pieces. In the open position, the two pieces are positioned with respect to each other so that the top piece reveals a colored face of the bottom piece. The colored face of the bottom piece can be observed at great distances from the latch. In the closed position, the top piece totally covers the bottom piece so that no color is visible on the latch. Further, in the open position, the front piece is at right angles to the bottom piece, and the front piece is positioned away from the panel so that it can be easily grasped with two fingers to allow the opening of an attached panel. Also, the latch is designed to be attached to a surface of the panel that is not horizontal to a frame to which the panel is to be secured to by the latch.

Abstract: A latch assembly mounts in an aperture formed in a door to releasably secure the door against the frame. The latch assembly includes a cap which is received over a support base for moving an elongated shaft so that a latching pawl connected to the shaft will engage the inside of the frame in a latched position.

Abstract: A window lock for securing a first window member against unauthorized movement relative to a second window member, the window lock including a bolt mounted for sliding movement in a drum journaled for rotation on a hub throughout an arc of rotation, the hub being affixed to the first window member and the bolt carrying a key and a latch engaged with a cavity in a housing affixed to the second window member throughout the arc of rotation of the drum when the bolt is advanced, the hub having a recess oriented for receiving the key of the bolt only when the bolt is located at a predetermined angular position within the arc of rotation where the key is registered with the recess to permit retraction of the bolt and corresponding retraction of the latch from the cavity, the orientation of the recess being masked from unauthorized view such that visual verification of the predetermined angular position of the bolt is restricted to an authorized operator.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for maintaining laboratory storage units, such as refrigerators, incubators and cabinets in a closed configuration when such units are subjected to a sudden force or shock. The latch mechanism generally comprises a base member which is adapted to be easily and quickly interfaced to existing laboratory storage units. Connected to the base member is a latch member which is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch member includes a stop member attached thereto for maintaining the latch member in a fixed orientation within the base member. The latch mechanism is constructed to provide a holding force which may not be easily overcome and is further constructed so as to provide a quickly ascertainable visual indication of whether the storage unit is in a closed configuration.