With Lock Or Latch Selector-operator Patents (Class 312/215)
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Patent number: 6932444Abstract: A casing includes a housing has a pair of spaced apart housing side walls and housing rear wall therebetween. A drawer slidably supported within the housing has a bottom, drawer side walls extending vertically from the bottom, and drawer front and rear walls extending vertically from the bottom. A key retaining lock is disposed in the drawer front wall and a rotatable shaft is connected to the lock and extends through an interior of the drawer to the drawer rear wall. A rotatable locking cam is connected to the shaft and located behind the drawer rear wall. A blocking member attached to the housing is located to cooperate with the locking cam to lock the drawer in a closed position. A stop block attached to the housing blocks the locking cam until the locking cam is in a position to cooperate with the blocking member to lock the drawer in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Inventor: Delbert E. Price
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Patent number: 6890043Abstract: An upright storage cabinet has a lock assembly which operates a vertically movable lock bar to simultaneously lock all drawers of the cabinet. The lock assembly includes a rotatable cam body which has a resiliently deflectable cam that projects radially therefrom. The cam body is rotatable between a locked position wherein the cam rotates a drive element to vertically displace the lock bar into engagement with the drawers, and an unlocked position wherein the cam allows the drive shaft to return to an initial position which disengages the lock bar from the drawers. The cam generates a driving force on the drive shaft during rotation of the cam body and is also resiliently deflectable to accommodate dimensional variations which varies the radial position of the drive shaft relative to the drive element.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Haworth, Inc.Inventors: Richard G. Haworth, Jayson J. Robinson, Jeremy J. Jackson
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Patent number: 6851771Abstract: A lockable wire mesh security and closure including a locking member which engages and locks to both the top wall and the bottom wall of the enclosure. The locking member can be latched into position and locked in place to securely lock the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: REC Enterprises, Ltd.Inventors: Jon R. Marler, Lori L. Graves, Carrie L. Monce
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Patent number: 6726294Abstract: A cabinet locking system includes at least one cabinet having a housing and a plurality of separately openable compartments in the housing. The system has an interlocking device locking the compartments, that device including separate switchable locking devices mounted in the housing and assigned to the compartments as well as an access authorization device into which identification codes corresponding to the compartments may be entered. An electronic processing unit that is connected to the interlocking device and the access authorization device controls the locking devices in accordance with codes entered into the access authorization device so that by entering selected codes into that device, corresponding ones of the compartments are unlocked. The system also includes an interlock responsive to the opening of one unlocked compartment for preventing the opening of any other unlocked compartment.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2001Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Lista Europe Holding AGInventors: Thomas Muller, Bruno Hasler
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Patent number: 6728098Abstract: A panel mountable electronic device includes a housing having a flange through which passes a hole, a tab having a threaded hole, and a screw. In some embodiments, the electronic device is an optical transceiver and includes optical as well as electronic connections. The disclosed electronic device may be mounted to a panel by inserting the screw through the hole in the flange and into the threaded hole in the tab, inserting a portion of the housing through an opening in the panel, and rotating the screw to rotate the tab into position to clamp a portion of the panel between the tab and the flange. The screw may be further rotated to draw the tab toward the flange and thereby adjust the contact pressure between the flange and the panel.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Opnext, Inc.Inventor: John P. Brostom
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Publication number: 20040061418Abstract: An apparatus and method for locking a tray to prevent a tray from being broken by an abnormal operation are provided. The tray-locking apparatus for a disc drive comprising a motor, a power supply unit, and a control unit. The motor is driven to move the tray into or out of the disc drive. The power supply unit supplies power supply to the motor. The control unit controls the power supply unit to cut off the power supply supplied to the motor, if a tray-locking command is input. The tray can be prevented from being opened and broken by carelessness of a user. Further, a current consumption of the disc drive is reducable by cutting off the power supply supplied to the loading motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.Inventor: Young-Taek Yoo
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Patent number: 6685284Abstract: When a legitimate recipient of a package or tenant loses a card issued to him or her for unlocking a particular locker of a locker cabinet, there is a problem that he or she cannot unlock the locker to open the same and pick up a package of merchandise deposited in the locker. An unlock system of a particular locker wherein a person who desires to unlock a particular locker makes contact with a control center to that effect through a communication line such that the control center authenticates personal identification of the person by calling said person at home, and the control center accesses a memory of the locker through the communication line to confirm that said locker is deposited with a package of merchandise therein and then, the control center unlocks the locker through the communication line.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Fulltime SystemInventor: Kouichiro Hara
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Patent number: 6682156Abstract: An apparatus for controlling access to a plurality of drawers, in one embodiment being tool dispensing apparatus (10) comprising a housing (12), a plurality of drawers (26) within the housing (12), each drawer for storing one or more tools, and a control system (14-22, 34-50) for controlling access to the drawers (26). Preferably, the apparatus (10) comprises a plurality of drawer trays (28) located in the housing (12) and on each of which one or more drawers (26) is located. The drawers are preferably divided into compartments and a control mechanism for providing access to appropriate compartments is disclosed in detail.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2002Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Supply Point Systems Ltd.Inventor: Geoffrey Herrington
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Patent number: 6669050Abstract: A paper currency storage cabinet mounting arrangement is constructed to include a paper currency receiving and verification unit and a paper currency storage cabinet, the paper currency receiving and verification unit having retaining holes and a hook hole, the paper currency storage cabinet having retaining rods disposed at two sides and a spring-supported lock means disposed at one end, the spring-supported lock means being automatically forced into the hook hole to lock the paper currency receiving and verification unit and the paper currency storage cabinet when the respective retaining rods respectively engaged into the respective retaining holes.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: International Currency Technologies CorporationInventor: Cheng-Kang Yu
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Publication number: 20030193278Abstract: A cabinet cover construction for a formed sheet metal cabinet includes a front edge with two angled surfaces that are congruent with compatible angled surfaces of the top edge of the cabinet to ensure alignment of a closed cover on the cabinet and to prevent overbite of the cover upon closing thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Applicant: Waterloo Industries, Inc.Inventors: Nathan Thomas Hellman, Kevin Michael Kraus, Greg Jon Holcomb, Daniel Lee Jackson
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Publication number: 20030178919Abstract: Disclosed is an inexpensive and easy-to-use multi-drawer storage cabinet and cabinet drawer retaining/locking system particularly well adapted for use with a mobile cabinet or a cabinet exposed to a shaking environment. The system has only one moving part, namely a rigid cage or frame positioned in front of the drawers and held in place by tracks mounted on either side of the cabinet. In an engaged position, the cage physically prevents the entire bank of drawers from opening, even if the entire cabinet is shaking or moving. In a disengaged position, the cage may be moved away from the drawers to permit the drawers to be opened through the cage while the cage remains mounted on the front of the cabinet for ease of later re-engagement. The retaining/locking system may be either built into a cabinet at the time of manufacture, or retrofitted to an existing cabinet.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2002Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventor: Frank T. Grudzien
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Patent number: 6565167Abstract: A computer system comprising a casing enclosing a computer core unit and a latching system including a handle mechanism for removably securing the computer core unit within the casing; wherein the handle mechanism is configured in a first position for securing the core unit into the casing and in a second position for removing the core unit from the casing.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Wayne Miller, Steve Holmes, Matt Rohrbach, Rick Mariano, Sung Kim, Perry Anderson, Eric Knopf
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Publication number: 20030052577Abstract: A bulk merchandise-vending machine with a base supporting a merchandise storage member, a mechanism plate positioned to form a closure member for the base and removable therefrom by a forward pivotal movement about its bottommost edge while the storage member is tilted slightly upwardly about its rearmost edge, wherein the front of the storage member is provided with a locking element cooperative with a lock carried by the mechanism plate and operable positively to prevent the storage member from tilting about its rear lower edge and separate from the mechanism plate, whereby unauthorized access to the mechanism carried by the mechanism plate and/or a coin receptacle there behind is positively prevented.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2001Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventor: Richard K. Bolen
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Patent number: 6532399Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for selectively dispensing inventoried items, such as pharmaceutical and therapeutic agents in a hospital.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2001Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventor: Joseph C. Mase
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Publication number: 20030015948Abstract: A door retaining device is provided having particular application for preventing unauthorized removal of vending machine doors from vending machine housings. The door retaining device is fixedly secured at a first end to the vending machine door, and cooperates with the vending machine housing at a second end to permit rotation of the door relative to the housing about at least one hinge pin, but to substantially prevent movement of the door relative to the housing other than rotation about the at least one hinge pin. The door retaining device has a hook portion at the second end that extends into the housing through an aperture in the housing. The hook portion engagesthe housing to prevent movement of the door relative to the housing other than rotation about the at least one hinge pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2001Publication date: January 23, 2003Inventors: Allen Eugene Alexander, Larry Edward Hieb
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Publication number: 20030001465Abstract: A safety cabinet is disclosed which includes an enclosure having a double-wall construciton and a pair of doors to selectively seal the enclosure. The safety cabinet includes a retaining system for retaining the doors in an open position and a closure system for automatically closing the doors. The safety cabinet also includes a latch system for selectively retaining the doors in a closed position to cover the enclosure. The latch system includes a paddle handle, first and second slide plates, a bullet slam latch, and first and second latch rod assemblies. The safety cabinet can be used to store, for example, flammable liquids, flammable waste, corrosives, pesticides, or combustible waste.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Glen Alan Carter, Steven Michael Eyer
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Publication number: 20030001466Abstract: Apparatus for controlling access to a plurality of drawers, in one embodiment being tool dispensing apparatus (10) comprising a housing (12), a plurality of drawers (26) within the housing (12), each drawer for storing one or more tools, and a control system (14-22, 34-50) for controlling access to the drawers (26). Preferably, the apparatus (10) comprises a plurality of drawer trays (28) located in the housing (12) and on each of which one or more drawers (26) is located. The drawers are preferably divided into compartments and a control mechanism for providing access to appropriate compartments is disclosed in detail.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Geoffrey Herrington
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Patent number: 6497462Abstract: An upright storage cabinet having a cam lock arrangement which simultaneously locks all of the cabinet drawers. The lock arrangement includes a rotatable cam member which is movable into a locked position wherein the cam member engages a locking element to lift a lock bar into engagement with the drawers, and an unlocked position wherein the cam member disengages from the locking element to disengage the lock bar from the drawers. The cam member is mounted for vertical displacement relative to an actuator of the lock arrangement to allow self-adjustment of the position of the cam member relative to the locking element.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Haworth, Inc.Inventor: Jeremy J. Jackson
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Patent number: 6456495Abstract: A logic controller formed by self-contained device modules plugged onto a DIN rail and onto a backplane contained in the DIN rail, the modules variously comprising a power supply, a logic control, I/O devices and gateways, each I/O device having microprocessor power, and the modules having a sliding lock movable into position adjacent DIN-rail-engaging flexible tabs to block deflection of the tabs and removal of the module from the DIN rail.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Christopher John Wieloch, Anthony Edward Develice, Michael Thomas Little
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Patent number: 6445573Abstract: An apparatus is described which includes a frame, a video monitor display mounted to the frame, a torque shaft coupled to the frame such that rotation of the torque shaft causes the frame to pivot along a predetermined arc. The apparatus further involves engaging to the torque shaft to impart rotational motion to the torque shaft, a releasable cam follower slidably disposed on the cam shaft and a spring mounted on the cam shaft exerting a spring bias force directed toward the cam so as to cause rotational motion of the cam.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: John Portman, James Schoen
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Publication number: 20020093274Abstract: An upright storage cabinet having a cam lock arrangement which simultaneously locks all of the cabinet drawers. The lock arrangement includes a rotatable cam member which is movable into a locked position wherein the cam member engages a locking element to lift a lock bar into engagement with the drawers, and an unlocked position wherein the cam member disengages from the locking element to disengage the lock bar from the drawers. The cam member is mounted for vertical displacement relative to an actuator of the lock arrangement to allow self-adjustment of the position of the cam member relative to the locking element.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventor: Jeremy J. Jackson
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Patent number: 6385050Abstract: A housing device 100 for plural components that can be arrayed one on top of another includes a support 101 for housing the components on introducing the latter into the support, and a locking unit 102 configured for preventing the components housed in the support 101 from being moved out of the support 101. The housing device 100 also includes a base member 103 having an unlocking support 101 which is adapted to release the state of the locking unit 102 prohibiting the movement of the components housed in the support 101. The components to be housed are usually locked by the locking unit 102. The locked state of the components is established by simply placing the components into the support and is released by the unlocking support 101. A larger number of the components can be housed on top of each other if so desired.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignees: Sony Corporation, Yazaki Industrial Chemical Co., LTDInventors: Katsuyoshi Orita, Masamichi Morioka, Hiroshi Yoneyama
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Patent number: 6385036Abstract: A computer case assembly that requires few or no screws for assembly includes a chassis that comprises a frame with side panels forming device bays for computer accessory devices. At least one of the side panels includes substantially parallel horizontal protrusions along the interior surface of the panel. A mounting rail has a screwless attachment for applying the mounting rail to a computer accessory device. The mounting rail is configured to slide between the protrusions of the side panel, and includes a latch to engage the chassis frame members. The chassis also includes a rear panel and a motherboard panel attached to the rear panel. The motherboard panel and the attached rear panel may be moved into a position in which the rear panel is substantially flush with the rear of the chassis. When the rear panel is substantially flush with the rear frame members, a latch affixed to the motherboard panel engages one of the rear frame members.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1999Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Inventor: Robert C. Chien
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Patent number: 6374649Abstract: A tool chest with multiple, vertical drawers includes a remotely controlled latching mechanism. A receiver mounted in the cabinet receives a signal from a remote transmitter and initiates operation of a motor to, in turn, drive a linkage which engages or releases a catch on the back side of each drawer.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1999Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Waterloo Industries, Inc.Inventors: Gregory J. Holcomb, Kent C. Johnson
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Publication number: 20020020706Abstract: Disclosed is a storage container with an internal locking mechanism. The storage container with internal locking mechanism includes a base, a roof, sidewalls extending between the base and roof, and first and second doors rotatably mounted directly or indirectly to the first and second sidewalls, respectively. The first and second doors are configured to rotate between open and closed positions. The second door includes a door surface with a recess formed therein. The recess includes a recess surface and a recess sidewall. The recess sidewall extends between the recess surface and the door surface. A recess aperture is formed through the recess surface. The internal locking mechanism further includes a tab fixedly mounted directly or indirectly to the first door. The tab includes an aperture for receiving a shackle of a lock. The tab aperture defines a centerline that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to respective planes in which the roof and base are contained.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Inventor: Thomas Lee Smith
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Publication number: 20020017520Abstract: Disclosed is a storage container with an external locking mechanism. The storage container includes a base, a roof, sidewalls extending between the base and roof, and first and second doors rotatably mounted directly or indirectly to the first and second sidewalls, respectively. The first and second doors are configured to rotate between open and closed positions. The locking mechanism includes a tab fixedly mounted directly or indirectly to the first door. This tab includes an aperture for receiving a shackle of a lock. The tab aperture defines a centerline that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to respective planes in which the roof and base are contained. The locking mechanism also includes a container fixedly mounted directly or indirectly to the second door and configured to receive the lock. The lock container comprises a lock container base, and lock container sidewalls extending from the lock container base. A first lock container side comprises a lock container aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2001Publication date: February 14, 2002Inventor: Thomas Lee Smith
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Patent number: 6297962Abstract: The present disclosure provides a computer mounted rack system and an apparatus enabling displacement of a slide mounted chassis. The apparatus includes an elongated member having respective first and second ends and respective first and second surfaces. A handle is also included and is preferably coupled proximate the first end of the elongated member. The apparatus further includes a releasable latch preferably coupled proximate the second end of the elongated member and configured to engage a releasable latch aperture in the slide. Additionally, at least one locking member is preferably coupled to the first surface of the elongated member and is operable to engage the slide.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.Inventors: Chris Stephen Johnson, Alfred Rafi Baddour
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Patent number: 6239966Abstract: A housing, in particular for electric switchgear and control gear, includes a first housing part and a second housing part to be detachably attached to the former. The housing also includes a lock whose at least one blocking element is movable in a displacement direction from an open position into a closed position by an operating slide connected to it, with the first housing part having at least one element engageable in a recess in the second housing part in the closed position, with a seating face arranged parallel to the displacement direction, and a section of the blocking element being in contact with the seating face on a side of the recess opposite the operating slide.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1998Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Gerhard Thomas, Karl Wutz, Ehrenfried Fabry
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Patent number: 6164098Abstract: A cabinet locking system for a frameless glass door. The system includes a strike/pull mounted on the door and a lock mounted on the cabinet. The strike/pull clamps about the edge of the glass door and includes a lock strike on the cabinet-interior side and a pull on the cabinet-exterior side. The lock mounted on the cabinet frame includes a throw cooperating with the strike/pull. In the locked position, the lock throw cooperates with the strike of the strike/pull to lock the door in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1998Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Howard Miller Clock CompanyInventor: Jack L. Hommes
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Patent number: 6065819Abstract: A drawer operating system for controlling a drawer having a sliding direction, the drawer defined by a front end and a rear end and partitioned by walls into a plurality of bins consecutive with one another along the sliding direction for holding various dispensable items, the drawer housed in a cabinet and arranged to move between a closed position and graduated, progressively open positions to allow access to one or more bins and the contents stored therein, the system including a linear encoder for monitoring the position and direction of movement of the drawer, including the length of opening the drawer on its preceding excursion, and for producing a plurality of electronic signals specific to the position and movement of the drawer, a drawer stop device arranged between the drawer and the cabinet, a controller for receipt of the electronic signals, and an electric solenoid, including a spring-loaded plunger slidingly mounted therein, for activation by the controller, after the beginning of the drawer-opeType: GrantFiled: September 26, 1997Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Pyxis CorporationInventors: William K. Holmes, David R. Williams
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Patent number: 6011999Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for controlled dispensing of pharmaceutical and medical supplies which includes a cabinet having a plurality of drawers, the drawers each have a plurality of receptacles, with each receptacle sized to hold one item, and having a lid movable between a closed position and an open position. Selectively actuatable locks are provided for releasably maintaining the lid in the closed position, the locks include an electrically responsive actuator wire connected to the locks and causing movement of the locks in response to an electrical current supplied to the electrically responsive actuator wire. A processor is in communication with the selectively actuatable lock and configured to send a signal to the electrically responsive actuator wire to unlock the lid.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1997Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Omnicell Technologies, Inc.Inventor: William K. Holmes
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Patent number: 5997114Abstract: A non-interlock blocking element adapted for use with a furniture unit having a plurality of drawers, a vertical guide for receiving a vertical stack of blocking elements which are slidably mountable in the guide for vertical translation therein, and a wedge element associated with each of the drawers which is reciprocable into the stack of blocking elements to effect interlocking relationships among the drawers is provided. The non-interlock blocking element allows such furniture units which are adapted for use with interlocking mechanisms, to be configured as non-interlocking furniture units, or as partially interlocking furniture units. The non-interlock blocking elements are generally similar to standard interlock blocking elements, but include a recess which allows unobstructed reciprocation of a wedge element associated with a drawer when the recess is in horizontal alignment with the wedge element, whereby the drawer can be opened irrespective of whether another drawer is already opened.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1999Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventor: Daniel Ralph Bischoff
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Patent number: 5905653Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary method for dispensing medical supply or pharmaceutical items from a dispensing unit which comprises a processor and a cabinet having a plurality of drawers which are lockable within the cabinet by a locking mechanism. The drawers include a plurality of bins for holding the pharmaceutical or medical supply items, with at least some of the bins having lids equipped with a sensor that communicates with the processor to indicate when the lid is lifted. Further, the processor includes a record of the items held within each drawer and which items may be accessed by specific users or user types. According to the method, user identification information is entered into the processor to identify a user that is requesting access to one of the pharmaceutical or medical supply items held in the dispensing unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Omnicell Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John D. Higham, Peter P. Godlewski, Richard C. Arnold, William K. Holmes
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Patent number: 5871263Abstract: A merchandise display case has vertically arranged compartments in a cabinet for providing a storage area and a display area, and a gang lock unit which simultaneously locks a bank of drawers in the storage area and cabinet doors covering the display area. The gang lock unit includes a rigid, vertical gang bar which carries the locking means for both the cabinet doors and the bank of drawers and which is moved between its locking position and unlocking position by means of a single accessible locking mechanism. The gang bar preferably has a rectangular or square cross-sectional shape that prevents flexure in any direction and that contributes to the smooth locking action of the gang lock unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1997Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Assignee: Trinity EngineeringInventors: Michael Johnston, Sergei Anderson
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Patent number: 5805455Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for dispensing items from a dispensing unit. According to the invention, the dispensing unit comprises a plurality of locations in which the items are held, a processor in which records corresponding to the items on the unit are stored, and a plurality of item switches corresponding to the locations in which the items are held. The item switches are connected to the processor so that a user of the dispensing unit can input records of items removed from the unit into the processor. The apparatus described is particularly suited for dispensing medical supplies although the apparatus will be usable for other types of items as well. Preferred embodiments will include a plurality of visual indicators, typically in the form of light emitting diodes, corresponding to the locations in which the items are held.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1996Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Omincell Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Randall A. Lipps
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Patent number: 5805074Abstract: An electronic interlock for locking a file cabinet (10, 100) and for limiting the number of drawers (14, 114) to be accessed at any given time. An input keyboard (20, 120) receives an input code to be compared with a prestored access code. If the codes do not match, an unlock signal is not produced. If the input code matches the access code, a processor (28, 148) renders the storage assembly (10, 110) accessible. The processor (28, 128) will receive a drawer selection number from the input keyboard (20, 120) user and will unlock a lock (16, 116) associated with the selected drawer (14, 114). Sensors (34, 134) sense the position of the drawers (14, 114) and disable the processor (28, 128) when one of the drawers (14, 114) is in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1992Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Meridian IncorporatedInventors: Edward L. Warren, David E. Miller, James Arter
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Patent number: 5805456Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for providing access to items to be dispensed and for maintaining an inventory of the items. According to one aspect of the invention, a dispensing unit is provided having an enclosure with an interior. A plurality of storage locations are distributed over a surface of the enclosure. Sensors associated with at least some of the individual storage locations are provided. The unit further includes a multiplicity of receptacles disposed within at least some of the storage locations. Sensors associated with at least some of the individual receptacles are provided. A processor is disposed on the enclosure and connected to receive signals from the storage location-associated sensors and the receptacle-associated sensors.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1994Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Omnicell Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John D. Higham, Peter P. Godlewski
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Patent number: 5805075Abstract: An electronic control system is provided for a modular storage and support assembly that uses a platform system that includes vertically disposed support posts. The support post has an extended tubular body and a plurality of symmetrically spaced, radially extending flanges running the length of the tubular body. Each flange has a first portion extending radially from the post and a second portion at the terminal end of the first portion. A slot is defined between each pair of adjacent flanges for receiving vertical panels or other inserts. The electronic control system controls a security system for locking and unlocking the modular storage and support assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.Inventors: Bradley J. Carlson, David A. Reppert, Craig F. Orlove
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Patent number: 5745366Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for providing access to items to be dispensed and for maintaining an inventory of the items. According to one aspect of the invention, a dispensing unit is provided having an enclosure with an interior. A plurality of storage locations are distributed over a surface of the enclosure. Sensors associated with at least some of the individual storage locations are provided. The unit further includes a multiplicity of receptacles disposed within at least some of the storage locations. Sensors associated with at least some of the individual receptacles are provided. A processor is disposed on the enclosure and connected to receive signals from the storage location-associated sensors and the receptacle-associated sensors.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1995Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Omnicell Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John D. Higham, Peter P. Godlewski, Richard C. Arnold
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Patent number: 5716114Abstract: A drawer operating system for controlling a drawer having a sliding direction, the drawer defined by a front end and a rear end and partitioned by walls into a plurality of bins consecutive with one another along the sliding direction for holding various dispensable items, the drawer housed in a cabinet and arranged to move between a closed position and graduated, progressively open positions to allow access to one or more bins and the contents stored therein, the system including a linear encoder for monitoring the position and direction of movement of the drawer, including the length of opening the drawer on its preceding excursion, and for producing a plurality of electronic signals specific to the position and movement of the drawer, a drawer stop device arranged between the drawer and the cabinet, a controller for receipt of the electronic signals, and an electric solenoid, including a spring-loaded plunger slidingly mounted therein, for activation by the controller, after the beginning of the drawer-opeType: GrantFiled: June 7, 1996Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: Pyxis CorporationInventors: William K. Holmes, David R. Williams
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Patent number: 5599077Abstract: A combined locking and anti-tilt device (1) for a cabinet, and a cabinet including such a locking and anti-tilt device, having a plurality of drawers (3) mounted so as to be slidable out of the cabinet, comprising a guideway (G), and, slidably mounted within the guideway (G), a plurality of block units (7), a part (9) of each block unit (7) projecting to a position engageable by part (5) of an adjacent drawer (3), opening of a drawer (3) causing movement of an adjacent block unit (7) in a direction towards a first end of the guideway (G), the length of the guideway (G) within which the block units (7) may slide being limited such that the extent of movement of the block units (7) is limited, and a lock mechanism comprising a locking member (11) movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, is characterized in that the locking mechanism also comprises an elongate locking element (13) extending from the first end of the guideway (G) to at least the region of the locking member (11); the locking elType: GrantFiled: February 24, 1995Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: Flexiform Business Furniture LimitedInventors: Andrew J. Law, Raymond Parker
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Patent number: 5564803Abstract: A portable nursing center has a plurality of selectively locked patient drawers carried in a housing. Each of said drawers are movable between a given open position and a closed position each drawer sized and configured for holding pharmaceutical items which have been prescribed for a specific patient. A nurse enters a predetermined access data and other data, using a keyboard or bar code reader which may be removable from the nursing center. Entry of correct data causes the unit to selectively unlock the appropriate patient drawer or on demand drawer while maintaining other drawers in a locked condition. Whenever the patient is given medicine or otherwise treated the nurse enters or receives information pertinent to that treatment. The unit has a transmitter/receiver to transmit and receive such patient information.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1994Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Assignee: Automated Healthcare, Inc.Inventors: Sean C. McDonald, Robert H. McDonald, Richard R. Lunak, Aldo Zini
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Patent number: 5524978Abstract: The latch assembly disclosed provides a cabinet latch that is both earthquake and child resistant, but which is easy for an adult to open. This assembly can be used on cabinet doors of differing lengths and configurations.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1995Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Inventors: Robert H. Tunis, Randal R. Schanley
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Patent number: 5520450Abstract: A supply station with internal computer, comprising an upright cabinet having integrally connected top, bottom, side and rear cabinet panels defining a tall storage and interior dispensing cavity accessible through a front opening, a plurality of horizontally openable and lockable doors, including door frames and transparent windows, hingedly mounted at various locations over the front opening, a mechanism for locking the doors when they are closed over the front opening, at least two partitions in the cavity in spaced-apart arrangement to form a smaller sub-cavity therein, a computer, including a keyboard, for inputting coded information concerning the particular dispensable items in the cabinet needed for a patient and information as to the party entering the information that causes electrical impulses to be issued therefrom in conformance with such information, mounted in the sub-cavity and accessible through the front opening; and, door unlocking mechanism interconnected the computer and the locking mechaType: GrantFiled: August 2, 1994Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Assignee: Pyxis CorporationInventors: Angus R. Colson, Jr., Linda Pinney, Gregory J. Gruzdowich, Patrick M. Steusloff
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Patent number: 5495389Abstract: A personal computer includes a frame unit and a top cover mounted to pivot upward and outward to the rear of the system, or alternately, upward to the side. One or more DASD storage devices may be mounted to extend downward from the top cover. A planar board is attached atop the lower side of the frame unit, where flexible mounting hardware allows the attachment of one of several types of planar boards. A central support structure includes a riser card plugged into a connector of the planar board, and a number of card connectors into which option cards can be plugged for electrical connection with the planar board. The central support structure also includes a bracket extending along the rear of the computer, having slots through which port connectors of the option cards can extend. The central support structure is held in engagement with the connector of the planar board by the top cover when this cover is closed.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1993Date of Patent: February 27, 1996Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: John R. Dewitt, Todd A. McClurg, Jay H. Neer, Orlando Pimienta
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Patent number: 5449230Abstract: A storage locker apparatus includes a cylindrical structure with a plurality of angularly spaced-apart divider walls extending radially outwards. Each wall has an outer end and openings between adjacent outer ends of the walls. There are doors over each of the openings connected to the structure by hinges. Each door has a lock thereon. The lock may be coin operated.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1993Date of Patent: September 12, 1995Inventor: Peter Murray
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Patent number: 5449228Abstract: When an operating unit (10) of a vehicle-mounted electronic equipment is attached to its equipment body (20), a first engaging portion (18) and a second engaging portion (24) of engaging means are engaged and the operating unit is turned around the engaging means in a direction in which the operating unit contacts the equipment body substantially completely. In this case, a releasing member (11) moves a locking member (4) to a releasing position. Under such situation, a locking portion (7) of the operating unit and a locking portion (6) of the equipment body are aligned in position. The locking member (4) is then turned to a locking position where the locking means is locked to thereby complete the attachment of the operating unit to the equipment body.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1992Date of Patent: September 12, 1995Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomoji Yoshida, Masakazu Hasegawa, Takeshi Baba
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Patent number: 5427445Abstract: An interlock structure of the cable type for stacked plural drawer cabinet structures which limits the opening of drawers to a single drawer and prevents plural drawers being opened at the same time. An elongate base or frame is mounted in the cabinet adjacent to the drawers. The frame supports plural (one for each drawer) eccentric blocker elements and adjacent follower elements and supports at one end a provided slider element having limited movement. A cable is attached at one end to the slider and at the other end to the frame with an intermediate loop which provide two cable courses, one of said courses threaded on the successive blockers and the other course operably threaded over the respective adjacent followers maintaining the respective blockers and followers in operative engagement. The blockers are moved by interference engagement by a selected drawer.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1994Date of Patent: June 27, 1995Assignee: Quest EngineeringInventor: Terry L. Mitchell
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Patent number: 5398167Abstract: An insertion and extraction device for plug-in modules provided in component carriers, having a holding bracket and a pivoting lever. The holding bracket has a receiving slit for a front plate supports a console and two bearing cylinders, and the pivoting lever comprises a housing part and a lid part corresponding to this housing part, these parts being connected with frictional lockup by means of bushings and integral plug pins, and having integral support trays for the bearing cylinders.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1994Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Assignee: Schroff GmbHInventors: Michael Joist, Hans-Ulrich Guenther
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Patent number: 5346297Abstract: An auxiliary storage and dispensing unit for use with a computer-controlled supply and medication dispenser station including a cabinet having integrally connected top, bottom, side and rear cabinet panels defining a tall storage and interior dispensing cavity accessible through a front opening, a plurality of horizontally openable and closeable doors including door frames and transparent windows hingedly mounted and locked over the front opening, a device for interconnecting one or more doors to allow access to a particular portion of the interior cavity, and a door unlocking device interconnected the computer-controlled station for selectively unlocking one or more of the doors at a particular location on the cabinet as a function of information inputted to the station.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1993Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Inventors: Angus R. Colson, Jr., Linda Pinney, Gregory J. Gruzdowich, Patrick M. Steusloff