Emergency Operating Means Patents (Class 292/92)
  • Patent number: 4540208
    Abstract: Apparatus for securing an emergency exit door includes a bolt for engaging a keeper, a dogging mechanism for dogging the bolt and a fluid throttling device disposed between the bolt and dogging mechanism. An electrical timer is connected to the dogging mechanism by a solenoid and starts to count upon an attempt to open the door. After a predetermined time interval has run, the electrical timer releases the dogging mechanism and allows the door to open. If the electrical timer fails to release the dogging mechanism, the door will still open if pushed due to operation of the fluid throttling device, which slowly shortens under pressure, allowing the bolt to clear the keeper.In order to readily align the keeper with the bolt, the keeper is loosely mounted and guided into alignment with the bolt by a bevelled guide. Upon being latched by the bolt, the keeper is held rigidly between the guide and the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Assignee: Reliable Security Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Emanual L. Logan, Jr., Walter M. Sommers, J. William Walsh
  • Patent number: 4506922
    Abstract: The present invention provides a combination door and panic handle for use on the interior side of entrance doors. In one mode of operation the panic handle may be moved inwards toward the door face to unlatch the door. In this mode of operation the door may be opened on the exterior side by use of a key. In an alternative mode of operation, the panic handle is "locked-out" and prevented from moving. In this mode of operation the door is unlatched and the panic handle may be used as a fixed door handle. In the movable mode of operation, pressure may be applied along any portion of the panic handle to facilitate unlatching the door. The operating mechanism of the panic handle is concealed presenting a smooth uncluttered appearance. A new anti-rattle and sound deadening feature is also provided for the latch mechanism, and a particularly unique adjustment feature for in-field adjustment of latch length extension is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Assignee: Blumcraft of Pittsburgh
    Inventor: William J. Horgan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4498319
    Abstract: An exit device including a latch bolt and an action lever. The action lever includes a cam lever pivotably connected thereto and having a first portion engaging a locking member and a second portion engaging the latch bolt the cause the retraction thereof as the action lever is pivoted into its open position when a locking member is in an unlocked position. When the locking member is in the locked position, the first portion of the cam lever is free of engagement of the locking member and a second portion is free to cam about the latch bolt upon pivoting of the action lever into its open position whereby the latch bolt is not retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: Emhart Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter O. Balducci, Theodore H. Miller
  • Patent number: 4497512
    Abstract: An emergency release handle is pivotally mounted within an interior wall of a railcar and connected to pull a cable under emergency conditions to actuate a mechanism, such as a mechanism to open a door. The handle is normally maintained inside the wall by a flexible guard plate and retaining screws passing through screw holes which are connected to the wall surface. Manual gripping means is connected to the handle to permit a person to grip it and pull to cause the flexible guard to flex and pass the retaining elements and permit the handle to pivot and pull the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1985
    Assignee: The Budd Company
    Inventor: Lionel Sherrow
  • Patent number: 4488378
    Abstract: An entrance for buildings comprises first and second doors mounted in a common door frame, each door including a lock stile positioned adjacent a lock stile of the other door when the doors are closed. A panic device is mounted on at least one of the doors for emergency opening thereof and a retractable latch is extended between the stiles of the doors when closed for minimizing or eliminating the unauthorized forced separation of the stiles into a position wherein the panic device can be actuated with an implement inserted from outside the entrance to release and open the door. Mechanism is included for interconnecting the latch and the panic device for retraction of the latch when the panic device is actuated for opening the door, thus providing both a safe and a secure entrance system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Assignee: Kawneer Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest B. Symon
  • Patent number: 4470625
    Abstract: Opening of a door, such as an emergency exit door, is delayed by encumbering a security device, such as for example a latch bolt, with the task of throttling a hydraulic fluid through a circuit, which circuit includes a normally open valve held closed by a solenoid. When the solenoid is de-energized, the circuit is opened allowing the security device to move so that the door can be opened. The solenoid is controlled by an electrical timing circuit which delays de-energization of the solenoid. The timing circuit is started by a switch mounted to be operated by movement of the latch bolt. Preferably in a situation where there are a plurality of doors, doors proximate to one another are delayed by the same electronic timing circuit. In a preferred embodiment, the electronic timing circuit is set to de-energize the solenoid at a time subsequent to the delay resulting from throttling the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Assignee: Reliable Security Systems
    Inventors: James W. Walsh, Emanuel L. Logan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4466643
    Abstract: The dogging device comprises a detented dogging hook, for engaging a latching and unlatching control rod of a panic exit latch and actuator assembly, or a like assembly, and comprises means for selectively changing the operator-implements thereof from one type to another. The method comprises the steps of forming such a changeable dogging device. The kit sets forth the components parts cooperative with a basic dogging device for adapting the latter for use with any one of a plurality of operator-implements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: Maksimilijan Godec, John R. Foster, Paul J. Straub, Allan K. Mahler
  • Patent number: 4458928
    Abstract: A panic exit door actuator and locking bolt mechanism of the rim type adapted for mounting in a horizontal position extending generally between the hinged edge and swingable edge of an exit door, wherein the locking bolt comprises a rotatable star wheel with a plurality of circumferentially spaced radial arms that are successively movable by rotation of the star wheel in one direction into salient bolted positions in which they are retained against reverse rotation to an unbolted position by a spring biased latch. The plane of rotation of the star wheel is traversed by the path of relative movement of a bar type strike mounted on the associated door frame, during closing movement of the door, whereupon the strike will engage one of the arms and rotate the star wheel to bring a following arm into a latched, bolted position overlying the strike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Assignee: Adams Rite Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Aaron M. Hirschbein
  • Patent number: 4437693
    Abstract: The invention comprises a latching and unlatching device for use on a door, or bulkhead, or the like, which device has a blocking plate for internally obstructing the latch to prevent its retraction, thereby to prevent the opening of the door. The blocking plate is internally secured in place, in an intermediate slidable position, where it does not obstruct the latch, by a low melting point cover. In the presence of excessive heat, as on the occurence of fire, the cover melts; this allows the blocking plate to slide to another, operative position in which it prevents the retraction of the latch and, consequently, the unlatching of the device. The method comprises the steps to be undertaken to modify an off-the-shelf latching and unlatching device to insure that it will be held securely latched in the presence of fire or excessive heat, and the kit sets forth the structure elements required for the aforesaid modification of off-the-shelf, latching and unlatching devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventor: Maksimilijan Godec
  • Patent number: 4429909
    Abstract: A door exit device has a pivotal panic bar that is depressable from a raised position to unlatch a door. A lock assembly for the device comprises a pivotal member movable between an engaged position with the panic bar to hold it in its raised position and a disengaged position to permit pivotal depression of the panic bar and opening of the door. The member is mounted on the door and a locking feature is provided to hold the member in at least one of its engaged and disengaged positions. In two described embodiments of this invention, the member comprises an arm pivotally mounted for vertical movements to engage a cross-bar of the panic bar, in a third embodiment an arm pivots horizontally to engage a lever arm of the panic bar, and in a fourth embodiment the pivotal member comprises an extended end of a torsion spring adapted to engage and hold the panic bar in its raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Inventor: John L. Lindquist
  • Patent number: 4427223
    Abstract: The device comprises a latching assembly enclosed within, and translatable relative to, a centercase housing; the housing is mounted on a chassis. The device is adapted for cooperative engagement with a locking cylinder, for actuating the latching assembly, and for operation of a thumbpiece lift, by an ancillary, external, trim linkage, for translating the latching assembly. The latching device has a master, locking cylinder cam or dowel, the latter having a removable screw, which (through a locking cylinder) either operates a night-latch cam plate, to translate the latching assembly or, upon removal of the screw, allows the cam or dowel to translate a tumbler which, in turn, frees a thumbpiece lift, for operation (then) of the latching assembly by the lift, instead of by the cam plate. Accordingly, with the drive screw in place, the external, operating trim linkage can not operate the device; it must be unlatched, externally, by a key in the locking cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: Maksimilijan Godec, John R. Foster, Paul J. Straub, Allan K. Mahler
  • Patent number: 4418949
    Abstract: The present invention provides a combination door and panic handle for use on the interior side of entrance doors. In one mode of operation the panic handle may be moved inwards toward the door face to unlatch the door. In this mode of operation the door may be opened on the exterior side by use of a key. In an alternative mode of operation, the panic handle is "locked-out" and prevented from moving. In this mode of operation the door is unlatched and the panic handle may be used as a fixed door handle. In the movable mode of operation, pressure may be applied along any portion of the panic handle to facilitate unlatching the door. The operating mechanism of the panic handle is concealed presenting a smooth uncluttered appearance. A new anti-rattle and sound deadening feature is also provided for the latch mechanism, and a particularly unique adjustment feature for in-field adjustment of latch length extension is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: Blumcraft of Pittsburgh
    Inventor: William J. Horgan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4384738
    Abstract: A lock-down mechanism for use with an exit door wherein an electromagnet on the door attracts an armature on the push rail when the latter is pushed to unlatch the door, the door being held unlatched as long as the electromagnet is energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1983
    Assignee: Kidde, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred E. Floyd
  • Patent number: 4382620
    Abstract: The present invention provides a combination door and panic handle for use on the interior side of entrance doors. In one mode of operation the panic handle may be moved inwards towards the door face to unlatch the door. In this mode of operation the door may be opened on the exterior side by use of a key. In an alternative mode of operation, the panic handle is "locked-out" and prevented from moving. In this mode of operation the door is unlatched and the panic handle may be used as a fixed door handle. In the movable mode of operation, pressure may be applied along any portion of the panic handle to facilitate unlatching the door. The operating mechanism of the panic handle is concealed presenting a smooth uncluttered appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1983
    Assignee: Blumcraft of Pittsburgh
    Inventor: William J. Horgan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4366974
    Abstract: The present invention provides a combination door and panic handle for use on the interior side of entrance doors. In one mode of operation the panic handle may be moved inwards towards the door face to unlatch the door. In this mode of operation the door may be opened on the exterior side by use of a key. In an alternative mode of operation, the panic handle is "locked-out" and prevented from moving. In this mode of operation the door is unlatched and the panic handle may be used as a fixed door handle. In the movable mode of operation, pressure may be applied along any portion of the panic handle to facilitate unlatching the door. The operating mechanism of the panic handle is concealed presenting a smooth uncluttered appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1983
    Assignee: Blumcraft of Pittsburgh
    Inventor: William J. Horgan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4363231
    Abstract: A vehicle door lock (106) and latch (104) assembly is provided whereby a key may be used to lock the door (100) and to prevent rotation of the outside door handle (108). A lock handle (116) is provided inside the vehicle door (100) for overriding the key lock (110) to permit the inside and outside handles (114,108) to operate to open the door. Both the key lock (110) and the lock handle (116) when turned operate a linkage (172,168) which is connected to the locking cam (158) enabling the locking cam (158) to be moved between its locked and unlocked positions. Even with the lock handle (116) and the key lock (110) in the locked position, the inside handle (114) can be turned to move the locking cam (158) to the unlocked position and to open the door (100). The outside handle (108) can now be used to open the door also. The outside handle (108) can also be released for operation by turning the key in the key lock (110) to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1982
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: John R. Kaveney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4357981
    Abstract: A panic bar assembly for use with a folding door. The panic bar assembly has a panic bar moveable between an operative, horizontal position, with the door unfolded, and an inoperative diagonal position with the door folded. The panic bar moves between its operative horizontal position and its inoperative, diagonal position simultaneously with the folding and unfolding of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1982
    Inventor: Henri M. R. Labelle
  • Patent number: 4331354
    Abstract: A door push bar lock-out retainer for a door having a swingable push bar. A member is swingably attachable to the door and can swing above the level of the push bar and then downwardly thereon and it has a hook for retaining the push bar in the unlocked position. A pin and an elongate slot form an attachment for the member so that it can swing above the push bar even when the push bar is in its unlocked position away from the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1982
    Inventors: Curtis L. Helding, Carl R. Larrabee
  • Patent number: 4328985
    Abstract: Opening of a door, such as an emergency exit door, is delayed by encumbering a security device, such as for example a latch bolt, with the task of throttling a hydraulic fluid through a circuit, which circuit includes a normally open valve held closed by a solenoid. When the solenoid is de-energized, the circuit is opened allowing the security device to move so that the door can be opened. The solenoid is controlled by an electrical timing circuit which delays de-energization of the solenoid. The timing circuit is started by a switch mounted to be operated by movement of the latch bolt. Preferably in a situation where there are a plurality of doors, doors proximate to one another are delayed by the same electronic timing circuit. In a preferred embodiment, the electronic timing circuit is set to de-energize the solenoid at a time subsequent to the delay resulting from throttling the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1982
    Assignee: Reliable Security Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Emanuel L. Logan
  • Patent number: 4324425
    Abstract: An emergency exit door latch includes a pivoted bolt which pivots into registration with a keeper and is urged in the projected position by a spring biased plunger. The spring biased plunger is retained within a hydraulic cylinder. Hydraulic lines connect the portion of the hydraulic cylinder in front of the plunger to the portion behind the plunger through a throttling means. Upon pressing against the door, the swinging bolt urges the plunger rearwardly so as to force fluid in the rear portion of the hydraulic cylinder through the line and the throttling means to the front portion of the hydraulic cylinder thereby allowing the bolt to slowly retract as the fluid is throttled.Preferably, a push bar is provided having a detent means thereon which locks the bolt in its projected position. Upon pressing the push bar, the bolt is released so that it can be slowly retracted as pressure is placed on the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1982
    Inventor: Emanuel L. Logan
  • Patent number: 4322104
    Abstract: The door guard of the present invention utilizes an L-shaped bar which binds against the panic bar of the door and against the door frame to prevent the panic bar from being pulled down and thus opening the door. The L-shaped bar has a front and side leg. The front leg has attached to it an upper and lower tab which fits one on either side of the panic bar. The side leg binds against the door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1982
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Matthews, Jr., William A. White, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4314722
    Abstract: Opening of a door, such as an emergency exit door, is delayed by a door check, the operation of which has been reversed to delay opening of the door instead of delaying closing of the door. The delay is accomplished by a circuit which includes a normally open valve held closed by a solenoid. When the solenoid is de-energized, the circuit is opened allowing the reversed door check to operate so that the door can be opened. The solenoid is controlled by an electrical timing circuit which is started by a switch connected to a door operator such as a push bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1982
    Assignee: Reliable Security Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Emanuel L. Logan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4313320
    Abstract: An improved and simplified dead bolt rim lock, which provides "classroom function". A dead bolt is fixed on a draw plate slidable in a rim lock case and having a cross slot which extends one way from center and is engaged by a crank pin movable in an 180.degree. arc between front and rear centered positions. The crank pin is on a crank arm carried by a turnknob rotatable in the rim lock case, and its projecting end lies in the path of a cam mounted for rotation in the back plate of the case and connected for operation from a key-actuated cylinder mounted in the outside face of the door. For classroom function, the turnknob has a limited throw and has lost motion relative to the crank arm so as to allow retraction of the bolt by the turnknob but prevent its advancement thereby to locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1982
    Assignee: Best Lock Corporation
    Inventors: Walter E. Best, William R. Foshee
  • Patent number: 4312528
    Abstract: In a panic bolt assembly for use on an emergency exit door, a horizontal elongate operating device comprises two elongate bodies hinged together along adjoining horizontal edges. Each body is pivotally mounted on the door about a horizontal axis adjacent the edge of the body remote from the hinged edges. At least one of these pivoted edges is constrained to move vertically with respect to the door to effect engagement or disengagement of a bolt of the door. Pressure imparted to the hinged edges of the device in a direction towards the door effects vertical movement of the pivoted edge or edges to disengage the bolt or bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1982
    Assignee: PLC Engineering Company Limited
    Inventors: John L. Hall, Anthony S. Peck
  • Patent number: 4311329
    Abstract: Push rod of panic-type latching device contains a fusible section which melts in the event of a hot fire so that the temperature will not cause elongation of push rod to disengage upper door latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1982
    Assignee: Scovill Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen L. Kral
  • Patent number: 4257631
    Abstract: A magnetic emergency exit door locking system includes a magnetic lock with an armature securred to an emergency exit door and a coil to the lintel of the door. The coil is connected to a power supply and keeps the door locked as long as the power supply applies current thereto. A drop-out relay is disposed in the line between the power supply and coil to interrupt current to the coil when operated. The drop-out relay is operated by a switch which is tripped upon pushing the push-bar on the door. In order to prevent immediate opening of the door upon pressing the push-bar, a timer is disposed between the switch and the drop-out relay to delay unlocking of the door for a selected interval having a duration of, perhaps, fifteen (15) to forty (40) seconds. An alarm sounds during this interval to give notice that someone is trying to open the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Assignees: Reliable Security Systems, Inc., Reliable Security Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Emanuel Logan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4226101
    Abstract: A cabinet lock which includes a housing having a latch mounted in the housing for pivotal movement into and out of the housing together with a push plate slidably mounted in the housing for releasing the lock. The latch has a slot formed therein and a first spring urges the push plate away from the latch whereby a lug on the push plate engages the slot of the latch which prevents the latch from pivoting from a position extending outwardly of the lock. A second spring connected to the latch and the housing urges the latch inwardly of the housing when the lug of the push plate is removed from the slot of the latch as the push plate is pushed inwardly of the housing against the action of the first spring.The housing carries a frangible plate covering the push plate which may be broken whereby the push plate may be pushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1980
    Inventor: Walter F. Lee
  • Patent number: 4225163
    Abstract: A panic device actuator for a door includes apparatus for unlatching a door mounted in a door frame and which includes one or more elements movable for retracting one or more door latches normally engaged with the door frame for positively locking the door. The panic actuator includes a relatively large panel having an enlarged outer face responsive to pressure applied at any area thereon for unlocking the door without a key. A mounting system is provided for supporting the panel on the door for controlled movement in a horizontal direction in continuous parallelism with the face of the door in a direction normal to the door face. A linkage is provided for interconnecting the panel and the door latching element(s) for moving the same to unlock the door latches in response to pressure movement of the panel on the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Assignee: Kawneer Company, Inc.
    Inventors: S. Eugene Hubbard, Richard A. Meisterheim
  • Patent number: 4204369
    Abstract: An entrance door system including an automatic astragal along an edge of a door and an operator on the door provided for controlling one or more latch assemblies normally engaged to latch an edge of the door with a member of a door frame in which the door is mounted. The latch assembly is mounted on the door to normally latch the door with the door frame when the door is closed and the latch is releasable to an unlatched condition so that the door may be opened. The elongated astragal is mounted in parallel along the edge of the door and is guided for parallel movement between a retracted and an extended position. The door operator is effective for moving the astragal between retracted and extended positions and the astragal is interconnected for moving the latch assembly to release the latching engagement when the astragal is moved to the retracted position so that the door may be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1980
    Assignee: Kawneer Company, Inc.
    Inventor: S. Eugene Hubbard
  • Patent number: 4181335
    Abstract: A push release door opener for aluminum storm and screen doors having a push handle comprising a lightweight, inexpensive aluminum push rail with a C-shaped cross-section with top and bottom grooves forming a track and having a first and second end, an adjusting bar slidably attached through the first push rail end to the push rail and slidable in the track formed by the top and bottom grooves, the adjusting bar having a first end which is slidable in the track and a door-attaching end which extends away from the end of the push rail, the adjusting bar further having a Z-shaped bend formed in the door-attaching end for providing a desirable offset of the push rail from the door and for enhancing the inherent resilience of the adjusting bar, the door-attaching end of the adjusting bar being attached to a solid part of the door at the hinge side of the door opposite the handle and at substantially the same level as the handle, and a U-shaped hook slidable in the track of the push rail and operative to connect t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1980
    Inventor: Laurence R. Thoren
  • Patent number: 4167280
    Abstract: A panic exit latch and actuator mechanism includes an elongated latch bolt actuator element rectilinearly movable along its axis and disposed in an elongated horizontally extending housing traversing a door. A push plate is supported for movement outwardly and inwardly relative to the housing. A pair of bell cranks provide an operative connection between the push plate and the actuator element to move the actuator element from its latch projected position to its latch retracted position in response to inward movement of the push plate. The bell cranks are mounted for pivotal movement about their apices in the housing, one crank being mounted adjacent either end of the housing. The pivotal axes of the bell cranks extend generally transversely to the direction of motion of the latch bolt actuator element. Each bell crank includes an arm pivotally connected to the latch bolt actuator element and arm pivotally connected to the push plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1979
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Max Godec, Stephen G. Branson
  • Patent number: 4155233
    Abstract: An automobile deck or trunk lid having a key operated lock for releasing a lid latch is provided with a lost motion drive connection in a shaft between the lock and latch and the inner end of the shaft has a knob accessible from within the trunk compartment for releasing the latch without turning the key operated lock. The shaft is readily detachable and attachable to the lock and latch so that it may be installed as a replacement for a conventional one-piece shaft in existing automobiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1979
    Assignee: Christopher Ward
    Inventor: Nicholas Lira
  • Patent number: 4145900
    Abstract: A surface mounted rim type lock set assembly for use on fire doors wherein a latch bolt is adapted for release by operation of a cross-bar on one side of the door and for release independently by manual operation of a lever-type handle on the other side, the assembly including a locking slide which is held out of engagement with the handle hub by heat responsive means adapted to release the slide when a portion of said means is melted. Normal locking and unlocking of the handle is effected by a key in a cylinder lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1979
    Assignee: Walter Kidde & Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Ohno
  • Patent number: 4135746
    Abstract: A bolt assembly for use with interior door latches or locks embodying a movable latch bolt and a relatively movable strike engaging latching element normally activated with the bolt to engage and disengage a jamb mounted strike in response to actuation of manual operator means having associated locking means operable to prevent operator actuation of the bolt and latching element for purposes of locking the door. In such locked state, emergency opening of the door may be accomplished with the assembly of this invention by imposing appropriate force on the latching element to effect strike disengaging movement thereof relative to the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1979
    Inventor: John G. Sterling
  • Patent number: 4111472
    Abstract: A locking mechanized enclosure is mounted at the edge of a hinged window grate so that its interior side wall and front wall are inaccessible from the outside and all of its exposed walls are solid. A locking member extends into the enclosure from the window frame in back of vertical blocking member within the enclosure. The blocking member can be raised by depressing a pivoted plate. However, access to the plate is only through a door in the enclosure which can be opened only from inside the grate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1978
    Inventors: Loring E. Smith, Mario J. Aloisi
  • Patent number: 4101153
    Abstract: A lock assembly is mounted on a door for opening the same upon depression of a handle pivotally mounted thereon. A spiralled cam is formed on a tubular adapter, detachably mounted on a rotary spindle of a lock assembly to replace a door knob. The handle engages the cam for retracting a latch normally extended into a striker plate for holding the door in a locked position on a door jamb, upon pivoting of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1978
    Inventor: Donald P. Dozier
  • Patent number: 4099753
    Abstract: A lock housing is adapted to be mounted at the free vertical edge of the inactive one of a pair of hinged doors that have adjacent vertical edges when both doors are closed. Slidably mounted in the housing is an axially movable shaft that extends vertically therefrom and has a normally retracted latch bolt mounted on its outer end. Operatively connected to the opposite end of the shaft is the inner end of a rocker arm, the central part of which is pivotally connected to the housing on a horizontal axis. A cam pivotally connected on a vertical axis to the housing normally projects from it for engagement by the free vertical edge of the active door for swinging the cam into the housing to swing the rocker arm vertically in order to project the latch bolt from a horizontal edge of the inactive door. The rocker arm is so mounted in the housing that it will be moved by the cam bodily away from the free edge of the door if the shaft cannot move, whereby the mechanism will not be damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1978
    Assignee: McKinney Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Joseph W. Gwozdz, James E. Biesecker, Charles R. Snyder
  • Patent number: 4084845
    Abstract: There is disclosed a security lock for emergency door latches which are typically provided with a crash bar pivotally carried on the door and extending transversely across its inner face. The security lock comprises a bracket arm which is pivotally mounted on the side brackets of the door latch mechanism and which carries, on its free end, a cover bar which overlies a substantial portion of the crash bar. The bracket arm is provided with locking means for restraining its pivotal movement whereby the bracket arm and its dependent cover bar can be restrained in a raised or lowered position, thereby preventing actuation of the crash bar, or locking the crash bar in its latch disengaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1978
    Inventor: Robert L. Eckert
  • Patent number: 4083590
    Abstract: A panic exit actuator and locking mechanism adapted particularly for mounting on a narrow stile door frame with the actuator spanning substantially the full door width and extending between the inner and outer narrow stile frame members, and wherein the lock mechanism is mounted in the outer narrow stile frame member and has a latch bolt supported for movement between latched and unlatched positions, the latch bolt being releasably retained in the latched position by deadlock means and being movable to an unlatched position in response to pressure applied in a door opening direction to a push bar that is movably supported on one or more linkage assemblies having an operating connection with actuating means operable to initially release the deadlock and thereafter move the latch bolt to the unlatched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1978
    Assignee: Adams Rite Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Roger J. Folger
  • Patent number: 4081980
    Abstract: The present invention is an electric security lock which not only provides an alarm signal to an alarm device, but which also has a push bar emergency release. The electric security lock includes a dead bolt, a frame adapted to slideably receive the dead bolt, a cover plate coupled to the frame for holding the dead bolt in place, a pair of cams coupled to the dead bolt and adapted to move the dead bolt in a lateral direction, a locking cylinder coupled to each of the cams, and an electric activating apparatus coupled to the dead bolt. The electric activating apparatus includes a circular latch member pivotally mounted and spring coupled to the dead bolt, a metal bar with a first end and a second end having a square hole disposed midway between the first and second holes, the first end of the metal bar is adapted to be coupled and uncoupled mechanically to the circular latch member, and a micro electronic switch mechanically coupled to the square hole of the bar and electrically coupled to an alarm device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1978
    Inventor: Tafari Hightower
  • Patent number: 4072331
    Abstract: A latch is provided for a door of a cab of a vehicle, such as a track loader, or the like. The latch is provided with external actuating means, internal actuating means and a third override actuating means, the third override actuating means being operative even though either or both of the internal and external actuating means are inoperative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1978
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Max E. Butterfield, Robert M. Alt, James E. March
  • Patent number: 4064719
    Abstract: Security panels mounted for opening or removal and having a lock mechanism that may be operated by a key from one side and an emergency release mechanism from the other side. The lock mechanism comprises a pair of slide levers disposed on opposite sides of a set of tumblers, one slide lever being engageable by a key inserted through a key opening on one side of the panel, the other slide lever being accessible from the opposite side of the panel through a slot opening. The emergency release mechanism is supplied as a subassembly which is field installed and comprises a support bracket and a bell crank pivoted from the bracket. One portion of the bell crank extends through the slot opening for engaging the other slide lever and operating the lock mechanism when contacted by a force applied in the direction for opening the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1977
    Assignee: Kane Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Maynard A. Boeckman, Richard M. Singer
  • Patent number: 4065160
    Abstract: An anti-vandalism lock device particularly adaptable for panic-type doors includes a substantially C-shaped housing having a substantially vertically disposed threaded bolt secured therein. The housing is adapted to be mounted upon one of the pivotable lever arms supporting the panic bar and connected with the panic door latching mechanism in such a manner that an end wall of the housing abuts one side surface of the lever arm while upper and lower laterally projecting sections of the housing similarly engage the upper and lower surfaces of the arm, and the threaded bolt is secured within the housing in such a manner as to engage the opposite side surface of the lever arm thereby fixedly securing the device upon the panic-bar assembly and positively preventing actuation of the door latching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1974
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1977
    Inventor: David D. Gilmore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4009537
    Abstract: An automatic astragal assembly for inclusion or attachment to a door edge comprising an elongated astragal housing mounted on said door and having an outwardly opening longitudinal recess therein, an elongated astragal slidably mounted in said recess, means supporting said astragal in said recess for upward and inward relative movement in said housing in response to lifting of said astragal from lifting means mounted on an inside surface of said door, said lifting means including a lift slide mounted on said housing for reciprocal vertical movement and having an L-shaped slot defined therein with an interconnecting horizontal and vertical section and a dead lock pin engaged in said slot and secured to said astragal for elevating the same upon lifting movement of said slide, said vertical section of said slot and said dead lock pin engaging to prevent elevation of said astragal from pressure exerted against an outer edge of said astragal tending to force said astragal horizontally into said recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1977
    Assignee: Kawneer Company, Inc.
    Inventor: S. Eugene Hubbard
  • Patent number: 4007954
    Abstract: A latch bolt mechanism of the push-pull type which includes a stop lever maintained normally in an inactive position by means of a fusible pin, the lever being adapted to drop into a position where it blocks the movement of the latch-withdrawing mechanism when the pin melts at a predetermined temperature due to a fire condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1977
    Assignee: Walter Kidde & Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Lars Erickson
  • Patent number: 4006471
    Abstract: A lock system controls exiting and entering of personnel, particularly in public and commercial structures by means of an alarm and a panic bar and key system to operate a lock through a series of interlocking controls including an internal panic bar, an internal key lock, an external key lock and a supplemental manual control. Four modes of operation are provided in which the panic bar is at all times operative and the alarm is selectively operative to provide, in addition to panic bar actuation or in combination therewith, authorized passage, authorized exit only, free passage in both directions and free exit only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1977
    Assignee: Detex Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Pappas
  • Patent number: 4005886
    Abstract: A flush bolt mechanism is disclosed for latching the inactive one of a pair of swinging doors, the mechanism functioning to latch the closed inactive door in response to closing of the other door. The latch mechanism includes a bolt that is driven home by cam and spring assemblies. A heat-responsive mechanism is provided for retaining the bolt in its extended position when the heat-responsive mechanism is subjected to a temperature and for a time sufficient to melt one of its components. A release mechanism may be provided for retracting the extended bolt in response to a force of preselected magnitude applied against the inside of the inactive door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1977
    Assignee: Door Controls Incorporated
    Inventor: Douglas E. Lirette
  • Patent number: 4003593
    Abstract: A push door-latch opener suitable for hospital rooms including a door mounting plate, a horizontal pivoting rod attached to the plate, a vertical pivoting rod attached to said plate and located above the horizontal rod, a horizontal bell crank pivoted about said vertical rod and having a first arm projecting into the plane of the door and a second arm being substantially parallel to the plane of the door, a torsion spring for biasing said bell crank in a direction so that the second arm is biased in the direction of the first arm, and a downwardly-directed push handle pivoted about said horizontal rod and being biased to a first out position and being adapted to be pushed to a second in position, the push handle having above the horizontal rod an upwardly-directed projection which engages the inner surface of the second arm of the bell crank so that when the push handle is pushed, the projection turns the second arm away from the door and simultaneously turns the first arm, thereby operating a latching mechan
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1977
    Inventors: Herbert Wilzig, Charles J. Schuessler
  • Patent number: 3992909
    Abstract: A safety release for unlocking the trunk lid of an automobile from within the trunk compartment. The release is an integral part of the lid locking mechanism and includes a clutch assembly for disconnecting the latch shaft from the key tumblers and a hand operated linkage for actuating the clutch and rotating the disconnected shaft to move the latch components from the normally locked to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1976
    Inventor: John S. McGhee
  • Patent number: 3958820
    Abstract: A lock mechanism including a bolt spring biased toward an unlocked position. Bolt release means including a lever movably mounted on a lock base retaining the spring biased bolt in a locked position. Contact means carried by said lever responsive to hand motion resulting in lever movement and release of the bolt to provide for automatic door unlocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1974
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1976
    Assignee: Lawrence R. Teeple, Jr.
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Teeple