Lock Patents (Class 340/542)
  • Publication number: 20080084299
    Abstract: A system for determining a state of a door having a locking mechanism for locking the door includes a locking mechanism and a door sensor. The locking mechanism sensor is disposed for sensing a condition of the locking mechanism and generating a signal indicative thereof. The door sensor disposed for sensing a condition of the door and generating a signal indicative thereof. The system further includes a processor for determining a state of the door, in response to the signals from the locking mechanism sensor and the door sensor. The state of the door is a secured state when the door sensor senses the condition of the door as closed and the locking mechanism sensor senses the condition of the locking mechanism as locked. A method for determining a state of a door having a locking mechanism for locking the door includes sensing a condition of the locking mechanism and sensing a condition of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph John Fisher, Nick Andrew Van Stralen, Kenneth B. Welles, Jeffrey Michael Ashe, James D. York
  • Patent number: 7355515
    Abstract: A lock position detection device includes a door locking mechanism, a magnetic field sensor such as a reed switch and a wireless transmitter. A magnet enters proximity of the sensor when the actuator is operated to one position and causes the sensor to output a first signal via the RF transmitter, and exits proximity of the sensor when the actuator is operated to another position and causes the sensor to output a second signal. A magnetic field shield is located with respect to the sensor to prevent a magnetic field from outside the door from being detected by the sensor. The magnet is coupled to the door locking mechanism such that the magnet enters and exits proximity of the sensor at an angle generally perpendicular to the sensor when the actuator is operated between positions, substantially along a line that is offset from a centerline of the reed switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E Lee, Kenneth G Eskildsen
  • Publication number: 20080061924
    Abstract: A multiple lock cargo security system, comprising: a master security device including position sensors, a motor, a door sensor and a latch; a master controller connected to the position sensors and the door sensor; at least one slave security device having a slave controller connected to the master controller; and a computing device for communicating with the master controller through a wireless communication link, to move the security system locking devices to a locked or unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Maciej Labowicz, Harvey Schmidt, William P. Lanigan
  • Patent number: 7339472
    Abstract: An alarm assembly is adapted for ease of assembly. A mortise cylinder has an exterior end and an interior end. The mortise cylinder has a tailpiece on the interior end and is rotatable about an axis. A cam engages the tailpiece on the mortise cylinder to provide selective movement of the cam responsive to rotation of the mortise cylinder. A housing secures the mortise cylinder and cam relative to one another and to a wall or door. A biasing member is disposed between the housing and cam for urging the cam into engagement with the tailpiece of the mortise cylinder, wherein variations in the length of the mortise cylinder can be accommodated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Detex Corporation
    Inventors: Josh Pierson, Gilbert Lombardo
  • Patent number: 7339473
    Abstract: A device for securing a gated enclosure includes a latch including a power lock motor and a bolt. The power lock motor is operable to engage the bolt with a catch portion of a pin protruding from the gate when the gate is closed, thereby preventing extraction of the pin from the device. The device includes a switch operated by a key to activate the latch. The device can include an electric horn, a light, a battery, and circuitry powered by the battery, the circuitry operable to send a signal to one or more of the horn and the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Donald L. Lucas
  • Publication number: 20080018463
    Abstract: Device locking systems, lock trees, and lockout methods are described according to some aspects. In one aspect, a device locking system includes a lock system configurable into a first configuration to lock a device to be secured and a second configuration Wherein the lock system is configured to be attached to or removed from the device, wherein the lock system is configured to be locked into the first configuration at a desired moment in time by at least one lock, and circuitry configured to generate an alarm responsive to a change of the configuration of the lock system from the first configuration to the second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Carl R. Morrow, G. Jeff Maestretti
  • Patent number: 7319391
    Abstract: A device of automated closure, and of locking, comprising a mobile closure or locking element (2), an actuator (3) electrically controllable for the motion of the element, a sensor (4), a programming and control device, the program of which comprises at least a mode of delayed action and a unit of transition to that delayed action mode, wherein, when placed in the delayed action mode, the programming and control device delivers a complete closure instruction only on activation of a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Somfy SAS
    Inventors: Eric Lagarde, Bernard Pitaud, Olivier Poulet
  • Patent number: 7292145
    Abstract: A tamper switch arrangement detects tampering with a device, and includes a tamper switch assembly having a tamper switch with a first part and a second part. The first and second parts are movable relative to each other between an open switch position and a closed switch position. The tamper switch is biased into one of the open and closed switch positions. An enclosure substantially encloses the tamper switch assembly and the device. The enclosure includes a door and an opening disposed opposite the door. The enclosure is sized such that the tamper switch assembly may be compressed between an inner surface of the door and a second surface via the opening to thereby overcome the bias and actuate the tamper switch into an other of the open and closed switch positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Scott T Castle, Paul F DeLozier, Ronald J Markese, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7271725
    Abstract: A customer robot enabling a customer service including key management with respect to a plurality of lock-equipped objects in an environment such as vehicles in a parking lot is provided. The robot has an unlock/lock signal database storing unlock/lock signals respectively set for the objects, an object identification implementor recognizing an instruction of a customer and identifying one from among the objects which the customer wants unlocked/locked, an unlock/lock signal retriever retrieving one from among the unlock/lock signals, stored in the unlock/lock signal database, that is corresponding to the one from among the objects which the customer wants unlocked/locked, and an unlock/lock signal transmitter transmitting the retrieved signal to unlock/lock the identified object, thereby reducing the burden of the person responsible for key management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichiro Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 7268666
    Abstract: The invention relates to an article delivery receptacle (10) comprising an electronic code lock (11). When delivering articles (8), the delivery person opens the receptacle (10) by entering a delivery code (6) into the electronic code lock (11). During the ordering process, the addressee (1) conveys the required delivery code (6) to the delivery person (9) via the supplier (9) of the ordered articles (8). After the articles (8) are deposited in the receptacle, the receptacle (10) is locked once again so that the articles (8) placed therein are protected from theft. After a successful delivery, the code lock (11) is blocked so that it is no longer possible to open the delivery receptacle (10) using the delivery code (6). The addressee can remove the delivered articles (8) from the receptacle (10) by using an addressee key (12) which only the addressee possesses. After removing the articles (8), the delivery receptacle is enabled once again for receiving subsequent deliveries of articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventors: Jörg Fassbender, Gerald Weber
  • Patent number: 7263635
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a bus system having at least three users in a vehicle having a drive unit and a lockable vehicle interior; of the at least three users of the bus system, precisely one first user being formed as the superordinate user and initiating each data transmission on the bus system; at least one second user being formed as an element of a locking system in a vehicle, and at least one third user being arranged outside of the lockable vehicle interior, wherein the first user monitors the data transmission such that in at least one specific operating state of the vehicle and/or the bus system, the first user, for each data transmission on the bus system that was not initiated by it, introduces measures to prevent transmission of the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ingmar Hentsch
  • Patent number: 7253715
    Abstract: A method of controlling access to a movable container, the method comprising controllably locking the container using an electronically actuated locking mechanism; storing in a memory a desired geographical location; determining the geographical location of the container; and enabling the locking mechanism to unlock the container if the determined geographical location matches the desired geographical location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin G. Bates
  • Patent number: 7253733
    Abstract: A cable alarm system is provided that includes: a lock; a cable coupled to the lock and operative to conduct a current; a secondary wire coupled to the lock and parallel to the cable and operative to conduct a current; a current detector coupled to the cable and the secondary wire, operative to detect an interruption of a current in at least one of the cable and the secondary wire; a battery operative to supply power to the current detector; an alarm coupled to the current detector and receiving power from the battery; and a heat sensor coupled to the cable and the secondary wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Vector Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Krieger
  • Patent number: 7248163
    Abstract: A knob assembly with lock and a status indicator is mounted in a toilet stall door and has a tubular lock, an indicator and a battery container. The tubular lock is mounted through door. The indicator is mounted on an outer surface of the tubular lock. When the toilet stall door is locked, the indicator emits light. Consequently, people are able to determine the door is locked. With a clear and visible indication that the toilet stall door is locked, people will not push the door so the door will not be damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Ting-Pin Wu
  • Patent number: 7233244
    Abstract: The invention relates to an alarm and control system for at least one switch cabinet that can be opened and closed by an operator. Said switch cabinet comprises an electroactuated locking unit (17) for locking and releasing its door lock and a plurality of modules (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) that are interlinked via a data-exchange data bus (11) and that comprise respective signal-processing microprocessors. Said modules have a closed scope of functions, independently process the signals supplied to them and emit a decision signal as the result of processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: EMKA Beschlagteile GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rainer Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 7221272
    Abstract: An electronic lock module consisting of a series of electronic buttons used for entering a lock combination; LEDs for monitoring the status; a piezo-buzzer to provide audio feedback; a microcontroller circuit to process the input; a locking mechanism in the form of a combination cam and latching solenoid to actuate the mechanical interface which actually unlocks the lock; other components such as battery power and miscellaneous hardware round up the main parts. By pressing the buttons in a certain sequence, a code is sent to the microcontroller circuit which interprets it as valid or not in order to trigger or not the unlocking process. The mechanical interface is designed to be compatible with the ILCO mechanical locks so as to replace their current mechanical locking means. Of course, this present invention can be combined with newly created mechanical components so that this present invention can be used both as a retrofit or as a complete standalone lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Hubert Hosselet
  • Patent number: 7212114
    Abstract: A communication apparatus is provided that can urge a person, such as a child, to come back home at a scheduled time. The communication apparatus can also inform another person, such as a parent of the child, about the time that the child arrives home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuji Yui, Hiroyuki Matsumura, Akira Yaegashi
  • Patent number: 7209014
    Abstract: Proposed is a device actuated by a transponder for the generation of a switch signal. The device is based on an oscillating circuit (10) with a capacitance (C1), an identification coil (L1) and an oscillator amplifier (12). Connected to the oscillating circuit (10) is a frequency observer (20) which evaluates the frequency (f1) tuned in the oscillating circuit (10) and which when finding a change emits a switch signal (S). A change of the frequency in the oscillating circuit (10) is effected by the approach of a transponder (60). The device permits a nearly loadless transponder identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Finkenzeller, Christoph Schiller
  • Patent number: 7200965
    Abstract: A securing mechanism for use in a holster, gun safe, base station, recharging/docking station, gun rack, or other safety housing for a firearm or other item, including one or more retaining members that engage the trigger guard, barrel, or other part of the firearm to prevent withdrawal of the firearm from the safety housing by anyone other than an authorized user of the firearm. The securing mechanism includes a biometric identification mechanism such as a fingerprint sensor for scanning fingerprint information of a prospective user of the firearm, and a processor for comparing the scanned biometric information with stored biometric information of an authorized user and releasing the retaining member only if the scanned biometric information matches that of the authorized user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventors: Albert W. Vor Keller, David R. Fletcher, Robert C. Chinn
  • Patent number: 7190264
    Abstract: A monitoring system for a valuable item, such as a digital device, has a base unit affixed to the valuable and a remote unit carried by a person responsible for the valuable. Signals are exchanged between the base and remote units. The base continuously monitors for signals from the remote unit and can arm or disarm automatically in response to such signals. When armed, the base communicates with a program running on the valuable to lock peripherals. The base alerts the owner upon movement of the valuable, allowing the owner to screen for false alarms or be notified of an occurring theft attempt. A digital connection between the base and the valuable may be used to encrypt any data stored on the valuable and charge the internal batteries of the security device. A soft switch enables the base to be powered off by the corresponding remote unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Matthew Brown, Hani Mehrpouyan, Christopher Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7158029
    Abstract: An electronic security system that would alert a homeowner that someone is attempting to gain access to their home. The system includes a transmitter positionable within a dead bolt housing within a doorjamb of an existing door assembly. The transmitter is engaged when a dead bolt is positioned within the dead bolt housing in a locked orientation. The transmitter emits a signal once the dead bolt is removed from the dead bolt housing. A receiver is in communication with the transmitter. The receiver has an internal alarm enunciator. The receiver receives the signal from the transmitter thereby activating the internal alarm enunciator upon removal of the dead bolt from within the dead bolt housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Elva Lee Martyn
  • Patent number: 7158007
    Abstract: A lock is operated by a lock controller that receives identifying signals transmitted from one or more wireless key devices. Weights are assigned to the identifying signals, and the lock is operated only if the weights of the received identifying signals satisfy a condition, such as a threshold condition applied to their sum. The weights are preferably assigned by counting the number of times each identifying signal is registered in the lock controller. The count may be kept in the lock controller or in the wireless key device itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasutaka Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 7151449
    Abstract: A device for detecting tampering with standard mechanical locksets has a pair of electrical contacts placed within the recess that receive lock's bolt and a third conductor positioned to run vertically along the door frame. A control box sends a low-level radio frequency (RF) signal to the first contact that in turn energizes the entire lockset when the bolt is in its extended position. The second contact returns RF energy to the control box to signal that the bolt is in its extended or locked position. Measured changes in capacitance serve to automatically enable tamper detection when the lockset is in its locked position; further, to automatically signal an alarm when the locked lockset is tampered with, to automatically disable tamper detection when the lockset is in its unlocked position and to define one or more protected areas whose status may then be signaled through conventional multi-zone security systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Major Monitors
    Inventor: Robert S. Meijer
  • Patent number: 7142112
    Abstract: The application discloses various methods and systems that utilize infrared communication to enhance and manage the security and convenience of occupants and the operation and efficiency of the staff of a multi-unit building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Inncom International Inc.
    Inventors: Duane W. Buckingham, Richard N. Quirino, David G. Oliver, Gregory F. Scheurer, Philipp A. Roosli
  • Patent number: 7142111
    Abstract: A method of operating a control panel in a security system that includes a door entry security device in a housing suitable for mounting within a recess of a doorjamb or door of a premises. The control panel is programmed to register a system arm/disarm device and a door closure device, both with the same identification number, such that the control panel recognizes that identification number to be associated with a door entry security device. In the even that the control panel receives, while in an armed state, an alarm signal from a security device in the security system and then receives a system disarm message, then the control panel determines if the system disarm message was received from a system arm/disarm device that has been registered as a door entry security device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth G Eskildsen, Hong Jyh Chen
  • Patent number: 7126484
    Abstract: Snap hook assemblies in which additional components have been incorporated are detailed. The assemblies maintain the general shapes of carabiners rather than those of conventional versions of the incorporated components. Included among the incorporated components may be light sources, knife blades, compasses, can or bottle openers, and watches, for example, although other components may be incorporated instead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: L. Hanson Luquire
  • Patent number: 7071818
    Abstract: A device includes a base secured in a car, a stopping block displaceable on the base, an actuating member for displacing the stopping block with, and a lock block secured around a steel rope of a control of a hood of the car, which control can be used to pull the steel rope for making the hood become openable; the stopping block has a big hole, and an horizontal slot communicating with the big hole and as high as center of the hole; the rope is passed through the stopping block with the lock block arranged behind the stopping block; the lock block can't pass through the slot; the stopping block is displaceable to such position as to exactly face the lock block at the slot, preventing the rope from being displaced; thus, thieves can't open the hood to cut off the power to the alarm for stopping sounding of the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Jui-Yang Lin
  • Patent number: 7068162
    Abstract: A security system for a goods-carrying compartment such as of a vehicle is arranged to indicate the sealed status of an access door 40 to the compartment. Following loading of the compartment, the system is used to seal the door closed by passing a security cable 34 through components 46, 50 of a lock mechanism associated with that door. The cable 34 is re-entered into the system housing 30 and then, using a key inserted into a security switch 14, the system is activated to show proper sealing. An interrogation switch 12 may be pressed to illuminate LED 22 if the door 40 has not been opened following sealing or LED 24 if the door has been opened and not properly re-sealed with a key. Two different keys may be provided, one for use with the initial sealing of the compartment and the other for re-sealing by an authorized person such as a driver, so long as the compartment was opened for a legitimate purpose on route between dispatch and the ultimate destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventors: Alan James Maple, Ian Martin Lennard
  • Patent number: 7042343
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for a motorcycle includes an anti-theft locking mechanism, a remote control, a receiver that receives a locking release signal transmitted from the remote control, a controller that releases locking by the locking mechanism according to the locking release signal, and a locking release mechanism that unlocks the locking mechanism by manual operation of a dedicated key. The locking release mechanism is normally covered with a cover member of the motorcycle such that it is not easily detected by unauthorized persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Konno, Tadashi Onozuka
  • Patent number: 7035760
    Abstract: There is disclosed an information processing apparatus which easily acquires calibration information required to transform the measured value of a position and orientation sensor into the position and orientation of an image sensing device on a world coordinate system, without using any special calibration tool. When a position and orientation of the image sensing device by attaching a receiver of a position and orientation sensor which comprises a transmitter and a receiver, approximate calibration information required for a coordinate transformation that transforms the position and orientation of the receiver into those of the image sensing device will be calculated by the following steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiro Kobayashi, Kiyohide Satoh
  • Patent number: 7024089
    Abstract: A fiber distribution frame arrangement includes a fiber distribution frame. Fiber optic component panels are housed within the fiber distribution frame at respective positions. Doors are connected to the fiber distribution frame for the doors to open and close relative to the fiber distribution frame. Each door corresponds to one of the fiber optic component panels such that the door opens and closes relative to the corresponding fiber optic component panel when the door opens and closes relative to the fiber distribution frame. Actuators corresponding to the doors are positioned on the corresponding doors in order to lock the corresponding door to the fiber distribution frame upon actuation when the corresponding door is closed. A cable extends between each actuator for connecting the actuators together. A controller communicates with the actuators via the cable in order to control actuation of the actuators and monitor actuation status of the actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: SBC Knowledge Ventures, L.P.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Weinert, Michael L. Yeilding, Jeffrey Lynn Langley
  • Patent number: 7005961
    Abstract: A method of controlling access to a movable container, the method comprising controllably locking the container using an electronically actuated locking mechanism; storing in a memory a desired geographical location; determining the geographical location of the container; and enabling the locking mechanism to unlock the container if the determined geographical location matches the desired geographical location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin G. Bates
  • Patent number: 6998968
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a door handle, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one presence sensor having at least one electrode for detecting the presence of a user at said handle, wherein it comprises conducting means having at least one proximal end directly or indirectly connected by capacitive coupling to said detection electrode and at least one distal end emerging in electrical insulation on the outer surface of the handle so as to create at least one new zone for detecting the presence of a user. The invention also relates to a hands-free access system for a motor vehicle comprising such a door handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Valeo Electronique
    Inventors: Joël Garnault, Ciprian Musat, Jean-Claude Huth
  • Patent number: 6992588
    Abstract: An attachable alarm system for strollers for alerting parents and bystanders that a child is potentially being abducted. The system includes an alarm receiver having a housing, having an upper wall, and a speaker system for broadcasting an audible alarm. The alarm receiver includes a first reset mechanism and a second reset mechanism. A clamp mechanism extends upwardly from the upper wall of the housing of the alarm receiver. The clamp mechanism is fixedly securable to a handle of a baby stroller. A transmitter is in communication with the alarm receiver. The transmitter includes activation and deactivation buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Anthony Santosstefano
  • Patent number: 6975202
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for using an electronic key to open electronic locking devices is provided. With the system, apparatus and method, a key code is sent to a user's wireless communication device and is later used to open a corresponding locking device. The key code is generated by a key supplier based on a master key obtained from a master key supplier, e.g. an electronic lock manufacturer. The key code may include a master key portion, a secondary key portion, an activation/expiration portion, a wireless device identifier portion, a time of issue portion, and a time of last use portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Herman Rodriguez, Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac
  • Patent number: 6970084
    Abstract: A door lock includes a body, a locking device installed in part of the body to lock and unlock an entrance door and having a first handle provided at an inner side of the entrance door, a lock assembly engaged with the first handle when a normal key is inserted, and a locking member actuated by rotation of the first handle, a first sensing device which becomes an ON state as the locking member protrudes outside the locking device and an OFF state as the protruded locking member retreats, a speaker generating alarm when the first sensing device senses an intruder, and a power portion supplying electric power to the first sensing device and the speaker, wherein holes, through which the first handle and part of the first sensing device are exposed, are formed at an outer surface of the body, a cover is provided at a portion corresponding to the power portion, and the speaker is installed on the body so that sound is emitted out of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Oh Sung Kwon
  • Patent number: 6965294
    Abstract: A workspace security system having processors, sensors, and actuators for local and remote monitoring, control, and automation of physical and environmental security, safety, efficiency, and productivity. The system includes passive and active access authentication devices and active or passive unlocking and lockdown of office furniture components, work sites, and facilities. The system may include multilevel authentication credentials, automatic lockdown of office furniture and other components based on the proximity of credentials, and video or other imaging systems to detect and record motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Elliott, Jeff Fenwick, Chris J. Thyen
  • Patent number: 6963280
    Abstract: A door entry security device used in a security system including a control panel, the door security device in a housing suitable for mounting within a recess of a doorjamb or door of a premises. In the housing is a lock position detecting switch, adapted to detect the position of a lock mounted on a door as being either locked or unlocked, a door position detecting switch adapted to detect the position of the door as being either open or closed, and processing circuitry adapted to generate a security system disarm signal when (1) the position of the lock has transitioned from a locked state to an unlocked state, (2) the door is closed at the time that a predefined time period has elapsed since the position of the lock transitions from a locked state to an unlocked state, and (3) the door has been opened after that predefined time period has elapsed. The door entry device also has a data transmitter for sending the security system disarm signal to the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth G Eskildsen
  • Patent number: 6950033
    Abstract: A system for determining the position of a bolt in a door including a locking mechanism for moving the bolt between a first locked position wherein the door is secured in position within a door frame and a second unlocked position wherein the door is moveable within the door frame. The position of the bolt is determined by a determining means and a signal indicative of the position of the bolt is generated. A transmitter is connected to the determining means and transmits a signal to a means for indicating to a user the position of the bolt. The indicating means includes a processor and receiver and wherein the transmitter transmits the signals generated by the determining means and the receiver receives the signal and provides the signal to the processor for determining the position of the bolt and generating a signal indicative of the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Louis N Guyre
  • Patent number: 6927689
    Abstract: A lasso for securing an object to be monitored. The lasso has a flexible cord with a length and first and second free ends, and a connector having a body with at least one opening therethrough. The portion of the flexible cord between the first and second free ends is directed through the at least one opening so that the connector and the portion of the flexible cord define a closed first loop with an effective diameter. The portion of the flexible cord is configurable to be generally U-shaped with a base and first and second legs which each project through the at least one opening. At least one of the first and second legs is movable relative to the fitting so that the effective diameter of the closed first loop is variable. The first free end of the flexible cord is directed through the closed first loop so as to define a closed second loop with an effective diameter that is variable by selectively oppositely moving the flexible cord through the closed first loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Se-Kure Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Bjarne Frederiksen, Roger Leyden, Terrance Surma
  • Patent number: 6911897
    Abstract: A self-powered electronic combination lock including a lock mechanism having locked and unlocked conditions. A rotatable dial is used to input a numerical combination code for changing the lock mechanism from the locked condition to the unlocked condition. An electronic display operates to display individual numbers of the combination code as the dial is rotated and a control is electrically connected with the dial and the electronic display. The control changes the numbers shown in the display as the dial is rotated in a single direction and the control is operable to sense a change in the direction of dial rotation. An electricity generating device is connected with the dial and the control and operates through dial rotation to generate electricity to power the control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: C&M Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Clayton Miller, Michael P. Harvey
  • Patent number: 6876293
    Abstract: An electronic door security system employs an input console having three readers for enhanced security. A microprocessor processes inputs applied at each of the readers to selectively permit access through a secured door. Application of an input to any of the readers transforms the controller from a sleep mode to an active mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Harrow Products, LLC
    Inventors: George Frolov, Gary E. Lavelle, Leon Boiucaner, Michael Cote, Dominic Pesapane
  • Patent number: 6859139
    Abstract: A control apparatus controls a drive of a motor having a movable part via an electric power converter. The control apparatus includes a detecting device for detecting a position of the movable part of the motor; a locking device for locking the movable part of the motor; and a storage device for storing an initial position at which the movable part of the motor is locked for the first time. It is determined that the movable part is locked at an abnormal position when a deviation between the position detected by the detecting device where the movable part of the motor is locked and the initial position stored in the storage means is larger than a predetermined reference distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Sato
  • Patent number: 6859145
    Abstract: A safety system that is configured to enhance the ability of individuals to identify points of egress in the case of actual fires or emergency situations. The safety system may include a power source, memory, a central processing unit (CPU), sensor(s), audible indicator(s), light source(s), switch(es), camera(s), a transceiver, a microphone, impact tool(s), and aromatic element(s). The power source may be any suitable AC or DC power source. The memory, CPU, audible indicator(s), light source(s), switch(es), camera(s), transceiver, microphone, impact tool(s), and aromatic element(s) may be any types well known in the art. The safety system may also include a modem configured to wirelessly or non-wirelessly transfer data to/from the safety system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventors: Scott Wilker, Judith Bergner, Kenneth R. Altberg, Ronald S. Hollister
  • Publication number: 20040257215
    Abstract: A door entry security device used in a security system including a control panel, the door security device in a housing suitable for mounting within a recess of a doorjamb or door of a premises. In the housing is a lock position detecting switch, adapted to detect the position of a lock mounted on a door as being either locked or unlocked, a door position detecting switch adapted to detect the position of the door as being either open or closed, and processing circuitry adapted to generate a security system disarm signal when (1) the position of the lock has transitioned from a locked state to an unlocked state, (2) the door is closed at the time that a predefined time period has elapsed since the position of the lock transitions from a locked state to an unlocked state, and (3) the door has been opened after that predefined time period has elapsed. The door entry device also has a data transmitter for sending the security system disarm signal to the control panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Eskildsen
  • Patent number: 6812836
    Abstract: A security alarm system that may be selectively armed or disarmed when monitoring a protective premises is described which utilizes the position of an entry door to determine whether the security system should be armed or disarmed. The security system comprises (i) an entry door for permitting ingress to the protected premises from the outside of the entry door and egress from the protected premises from the inside of the door; (ii) means for selectively closing and opening the entry door; and (iii) a switch having a first state indicative of the entry door being in a closed position and a second state indicative of the entry door being in an open position wherein, when the switch is in its first state, the security system is armed and, when the switch is in its second state, the security system is disarmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Napco Security Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Soloway, Jorge D. Hevia, Thomas F. Karl, Michael A. Carrieri, Charles S. Buccola
  • Patent number: 6798345
    Abstract: An administrative system provided with surveillance equipment, which is arranged in a plurality of locations on a patrol surveillance route, for (1) reading identification information stored in an information storage medium carried by surveillance staff, and (2) transmitting the identification information. The system is also provided with management devices for (1) receiving the identification information transmitted by the surveillance equipment and (2) storing the identification information in relation to identification information that identifies the surveillance equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Allied Telesis K.K.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Satoh
  • Publication number: 20040178909
    Abstract: An electronic lock apparatus includes a deadbolt that is operable for movement between locking and unlocking positions, an actuating unit that is capable of driving movement of the deadbolt to the locking and unlocking positions, a sensor unit that generates a locking control signal, a user input unit that is operable so as to generate an unlocking control signal, and a processing unit that enables the actuating unit to drive movement of the deadbolt to the locking position upon receipt of the locking control signal from the sensor unit, and that enables the actuating unit to drive movement of the deadbolt to the unlocking position in response to the unlocking control signal from the user input unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Li-Yun Lu
  • Patent number: 6791465
    Abstract: A tamper-indicating fastener has a cylindrical body with threads extending from one end along a portion of the body, and a tamper indicating having a transducer for converting physical properties of the body into electronic data; electronics for recording the electronic data; and means for communicating the recorded information to a remote location from said fastener. The electronics includes a capacitor that varies as a function of force applied by the fastener, and non-volatile memory for recording instances when the capacitance varies, providing an indication of unauthorized access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventors: Sergei V. Blagin, Boris P. Barkanov
  • Patent number: 6741160
    Abstract: An electronic combination lock having a knob which has no divisions or markings relating to the numbers of the combination thereon. The rotation of the knob drives a generator, which produces electrical power. The power generated serves as a power source for the electronics of the lock. A knob position detector indicates to the microprocessor the speed and amount of rotation of the knob. The timing capabilities of the lock provides the opportunity to set the minimum time that can be used in the entering of the combination. The lock waits a period of time, typically, two seconds between the entry of one element of the combination and the lock permitting the entry at the next element of the combination. The microprocessor will also keep a count record of all the failed attempts to open the lock since the last successful operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Kaba-Mas Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald L. Dawson, Daniel L. Thompson, Lee Stallard