Lock Patents (Class 340/542)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6737968
    Abstract: A wall control unit for a movable barrier operator sends baseband signals over a wire connection to a head unit of a movable barrier operator to command the movable barrier to perform barrier operator functions. The wall control unit has a wall control unit port for connection to the wire connection. A first switch sends a barrier command signal to the head unit commanding the head unit to open or close a movable barrier. A second switch commands the head unit to provide energization to a light source. An infrared detector causes a command signal to be sent to the head unit to control the illumination state of the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Ergun, Thomas Brookbank, Sandor Goldner, David Daly
  • Patent number: 6724322
    Abstract: A system for providing vehicle location information or confirmation of remote entry system operation to a user. In one embodiment, a vehicle transceiver receives a wireless vehicle device function signal, and a vehicle controller generates a vehicle device control signal for use in operating a vehicle device in response. The vehicle controller also confirms operation of the vehicle device, and the vehicle transceiver transmits a wireless vehicle device function confirmation signal. A remote unit includes a transceiver for operation by the user for transmitting the vehicle device function signal and for receiving the vehicle device function confirmation signal. The remote unit also includes an indicator for providing an indication to the user confirming operation of the vehicle device, and a storage device for storing retrievable data representing the indication confirming operation of the vehicle device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Qingfeng Tang, Riad Ghabra, John S. Nantz, Matthew Honkanen, Ronald O. King
  • Patent number: 6724303
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method of monitoring a safe comprising the steps of providing (402) an electronic lock for the safe; receiving (404) information from a security device in an area proximate to the safe; and making (406) security information from the security device during a transaction with the electronic lock. According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for monitoring a safe comprises an electronic lock (144) incorporated in a safe; a control unit (142) coupled to the electronic lock; and a security system (148) coupled to the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Corporate Safe Specialists, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. McGunn, James Ivey, III, Gregory Grzegorz Dylewski, Eduardo DeCastro Barcellos
  • Patent number: 6720861
    Abstract: A remote access control system includes a remote wireless communicator to receive wireless information from a central access control system. It also includes a remote access controller electrically coupled to the remote wireless communicator. The remote access controller would receive information from the remote wireless communicator and uses the information to control locking and unlocking of the door. The remote wireless communicator also transmits wireless information to the central access control system and a switch is provided for selectively choosing between the receiving and transmitting the wireless information. The remote wireless communicator communicates via RF information and preferably spread-spectrum RF. The remote access control system also includes a reader to read user data when presented to the reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Best Access Systems
    Inventors: Robert Wilmer Rodenbeck, Roger Keith Russell, Michael Lee Long
  • Patent number: 6714118
    Abstract: A modular electronic door security system includes an input device, a control module and an electro-mechanical lockset mounted to a door configured to facilitate electrical interconnections interiorly of the door. The input device and/or control module may be mounted in a user defined location on the surface of the door. An optional override mechanism allows access to secured areas in the event of system failure or emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Harrow Products, Inc.
    Inventors: George Frolov, John E. Walsh, III
  • Patent number: 6690267
    Abstract: The invention provides a remotely controllable bicycle lock and alarm system and a remote control device enabled to facilitate communication between the a remote control device and the lock and alarm system. Also provided in the lock and alarm system is an audible alarm for notification of the bicycle operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventors: Edward A. Linden, Charles P. Marschhausen
  • Publication number: 20040000986
    Abstract: An identification system is disclosed in which an interrogation signal is emitted on the side of the object, the signal having a carrier frequency which is modified in sections. A mobile encoder (20) encodes the interrogation signal and produces a response signal which is sent back to the object (10). The response signal is mixed with the interrogation signal and decoded in an evaluation unit (14-16) on the side of the object. The distance (d) between the encoder (20) and the object (10) is then determined by means of Fourier transformation (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Albert Ott
  • Patent number: 6653944
    Abstract: A pod for transporting a cassette of semiconductor wafers that is equipped with a cover latch indicator is described. The pod is constructed by a base, a cover, a latch means and an indicator means. The base is used to support the cassette positioned thereon, while the cover removably carries on the base for protectively covering the cassette to prevent contamination of the wafers. The latch means is carried on the base for latching the cover onto the base. The latch means may be actuatable from a latched position in which the cover is latched onto the base to a released position allowing removal of the cover from the base. The indicator means is coupled with the latch means for providing a visual indication of the condition of the latch means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd
    Inventors: Hsin-Chieh Huang, Am-Ming Chiang
  • Patent number: 6633239
    Abstract: A warning indication system and method of using the same in conjunction with a cargo door of an aircraft. The cargo door is positionable in an opened position; a closed position; a closed and latched position; and a closed, latched, and locked position. The method includes outputting first and second closed signals when the cargo door is in the closed position; outputting first and second latched signals when the cargo door is in the closed and latched position; and outputting first and second locked signals when the cargo door is in the closed, latched, and locked position. All of the signals are then analyzed to positively determine the position of the cargo door, while minimizing the probability of false indications. Various warnings are generated in response to the combination of signals received. The apparatus employs a dual logic system and redundant sensors to provide differing warnings dependent on the phase of flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Leo W. Plude, Todd B. Brouwer, Mark E. Brighton, Donald E. Ham
  • Patent number: 6621405
    Abstract: A customizable combination locking system using textual combinations. The principle object of the present invention is to provide a method to create a lock that is capable of being set in any desired set of letters that spells words that are easy for the user to remember. These words are supplied as a list and the tumbler positions are created from that list. The resultant lock would be commercially viable, as it will use existing, standard lock mechanisms comprised of tumbler rings with ten positions (0-9) and two, three, or four tumblers. The letters that appear in each of the ten positions have been selected through the described process. Having been selected, each lock is capable of being set to one of several thousand actual word combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventors: Todd Basche, Mark E. Pennell
  • Patent number: 6604014
    Abstract: This invention relates to novel systems for testing guards closures or barriers used on hazardous machinery for personnel protection. The guards are tested separately or in conjunction with safety devices which may include interlocks, locking mechanisms and latching devices. The testing process proceeds without having to shut down the machine on which the guarding system is mounted. Testers are incorporated in the process for establishing the integrity of the safety devices and for executing self-testing. Also included are various novel devices that are unable in such systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Triodyne Safety Systems L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ralph L. Barnett, Theordore Liber
  • Patent number: 6603648
    Abstract: A circuit breaker having a switch rated current setting on an electronic tripping unit is described. This is suitable for all circuit breakers having an electronic tripping unit that can be removed from the circuit breaker housing after removing a seal and can be lockably parameterized at the rated current of the circuit breaker. In parameterization of electronic tripping units of circuit breakers, the possibility of unauthorized parties tampering with the tripping unit must be prevented. Therefore, the tripping unit is equipped with a monitoring circuit which prevents the possibility of parameterization of the tripping unit when there is a galvanic connection between the trip magnet and the tripping unit. This permits parameterization only when the tripping unit has been removed, i.e., only by authorized personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernd Ette, Hans Rehaag, Andreas Pancke, Peter Schust
  • Patent number: 6577497
    Abstract: A system and method for assembling and disassembling a personal computer or components within a personal computer is disclosed. In the system and method, a computer case can be opened and closed, and computer components can be latched or unlatched, by means of a control program and locking devices that are remotely controlled by the control program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dimitri Kanevsky, Alexander Zlatsin
  • Patent number: 6570501
    Abstract: A hand gun case body that is fully enclosed except for a door opening including a hinged door that latches to the case to close the opening. A slide inside the case body slides into and out of a door opening and carries a hand gun that is accordingly transferred between positions of containment within the case body and accessibility outside the case body. A biasing member urges the slide to the accessibility position when the door is opened. The biasing member is remote from the hand gun and avoids interference with said accessibility. The latch is actuated by a personal feature recognition device, e.g., a fingerprint recognition device and upon presentation of said personal feature to said device, said door is unlatched and the hand gun is presented to an authorized user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventors: Raymond B. Bushnell, Danny R. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6535136
    Abstract: A security system comprises a card containing access information, a reader for reading the card, a power source, a locking mechanism, and a first circuit for operating the locking mechanism. The power source is coupled to the first circuit to provide power to the first circuit. The power source is also coupled to a wake-up circuit to provide power to the wake-up circuit. The wake-up circuit detects the presence of an object and enables the reader to ascertain whether the object is the card. A method for operating the security system comprises first determining that electromagnetic energy is not being detected by the wake-up circuit, then determining that electromagnetic energy is being detected by the wake-up circuit, then determining that electromagnetic energy is not being detected by the wake-up circuit, and then ascertaining whether the object is the card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Best Lock Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Wilmer Rodenbeck, Roger Keith Russell, Michael Lee Long
  • Publication number: 20030038713
    Abstract: A warning indication system and method of using the same in conjunction with a cargo door of an aircraft. The cargo door is positionable in an opened position; a closed position; a closed and latched position; and a closed, latched, and locked position. The method includes outputting first and second closed signals when the cargo door is in the closed position; outputting first and second latched signals when the cargo door is in the closed and latched position; and outputting first and second locked signals when the cargo door is in the closed, latched, and locked position. All of the signals are then analyzed to positively determine the position of the cargo door, while minimizing the probability of false indications. Various warnings are generated in response to the combination of signals received. The apparatus employs a dual logic system and redundant sensors to provide differing warnings dependent on the phase of flight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Leo W. Plude, Todd B. Brouwer, Mark E. Brighton, Donald E. Ham
  • Patent number: 6522251
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus to secure a machine having a machine security system. The machine security system includes a primary controller, and a key switch associated with the primary controller and adapted to receive a key, the key switch being configurable to a plurality of positions. The method includes the steps of delivering power to the primary controller in response to the key switch being configured in a predetermined position, activating the security system in response to the power delivery, determining a first operating characteristic of the machine, determining whether to maintain activation of the security system in response to the first operating characteristic, receiving an identification code from the key, and determining whether to enable machine operation in response to the received key code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: James R. Menne, Daniel C. Wood
  • Patent number: 6518883
    Abstract: A safety system wherein the cover (48) is maintained axially in the body panel window by an inner elastically deformable ring (70) carrier by the tubular skirt (52), and enables the cover (48) to be mounted axially from outside inwards by being elastically interlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventors: Thierry Benard, Luc Josserand
  • Patent number: 6518890
    Abstract: A device for indicating a multi-position state and having one or more sensors, one or more bi-stable, magnetic switches, and a control unit. The switches are provided with an electromagnet arranged in connection with each individual switch thereby enabling the switches to be switched between two or more indicating positions by sending an electric pulse through the electromagnet. The sensors are connected to the control unit, which is in turn connected to the switches. The sensors are arranged to sense which of the two or more positions is the current state of a measured object, and transmit a signal corresponding to the position of the measured object to the control unit. The control unit is arranged to transmit a signal to the electromagnet of the corresponding switch in order to update the indicated state of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Volvo Personvagner AB
    Inventors: Anders Hallén, Mohammad Moradnia
  • Patent number: 6507284
    Abstract: The present invention provides an enclosure sign apparatus for unavoidable viewing of a sign before manipulation of an entryway opening device. The enclosure sign apparatus includes at least one side surface extending out as least as far as the entryway opening device, a back surface interconnected to the side surface, wherein the back surface comprises an opening to accommodate the entryway opening device therethrough, and a front surface having a sign. The front surface is capable of preventing access to the entryway opening device and is interconnected to the side surface. When in use, access is obtained to an entryway opening device by physically removing the enclosure sign apparatus so that there is unavoidable viewing of a sign before manipulation of the entryway opening device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Roche Colorado Corporation
    Inventor: Marc Thomas Rothney
  • Patent number: 6469627
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an identification device that is resiliently deformable between a first shape and a second, smaller shape. The second shape allows for inserting the mounting clip into a container opening. The mounting clip resiliently biases from the second shape to the first, larger shape for maintaining the mounting clip attached to the container. A wireless communication device is mounted to the mounting clip for identifying attributes of the container. The identification device may communicate with an interrogation reader for transferring information regarding the container and contents to a central control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Marconi Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Ian J. Forster, Michael G. Ginn, Patrick F. King
  • Patent number: 6462652
    Abstract: A multi-unit monitoring system includes a plurality of units coupled to a communication medium. The system can also incorporate a common control element coupled to the medium. The individual units include control circuitry which is capable of carrying out verification, confirmation, or entry/exit delay processing. While the control element can receive messages from the various units indicative of their status, the units themselves carry out the respective timing functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Pittway Corporation
    Inventors: Steven W. McCuen, Dominick A. Testa
  • Publication number: 20020135477
    Abstract: A locking system for a loaded handgun that prevents the handgun from being removed from a housing until a combination lock is unlocked. The housing is constructed of a material such as steel or a high impact resistance polymer, capable of preventing penetration of a slug fired by the handgun. The combination lock is either an illuminated keypad or a bio-metric sensor. In one embodiment, the combination lock actuates a locking member that prevents the handgun from being removed and extends behind the trigger, so that the handgun cannot be fired. In another embodiment, the combination lock secures a locking member in a position that prevents a holster containing the handgun from being pivoted outside an internal cavity within the housing. While the handgun and holster are locked inside the internal cavity, the handgun cannot be withdrawn from the holster. When the proper combination is entered, the locking member releases the holster, and a spring element pivots the holster free of the internal cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dabrowski, Keith S. Willows, Stephen H. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020121974
    Abstract: With an auxiliary lock operated by a built-in battery, it is desired to prevent the door from being kept locked even if the battery dies. The auxiliary lock body is provided with first and second voltage detecting means for detecting that the voltage of the battery has lowered to predetermined voltages. If the first voltage detecting means detects that the voltage of the battery has dropped to a predetermined voltage, the fact is alarmed. Then, if the second voltage detecting means detects that the voltage of the battery has dropped further, the actuator is activated to open the lock by pushing down the bolt inside the lock surface before the battery dies, thereby preventing the door from being kept locked even if the battery dies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Takanori Ohara
  • Patent number: 6445281
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dynamically controlled electronic locking system. The locking system includes apparatus (10) for entering data into the locking system, an electronic data processing circuit (12) and a locking and unlocking control system (14). The locking system electronics include, in a particularly advantageous manner, linear feed shift registers for processing the values allowing access to be assured to a protected space. Application to protection systems for confined spaces to which access has to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: MR Electronic S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Monnier
  • Patent number: 6441735
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing a signal in response to the actuation of an internal lock mechanism for a door latch to a locked condition of the door latch and for detecting the locked condition when the door is in a closed position with the door latch bolt in the door jamb. Detection apparatus is located in the door jamb and senses the lock signal and in turn can provide a signal locally or to a remote security or surveillance system indicating the locked or unlocked condition of the latch bolt when the door is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Marlin Security Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew P. Marko, Adam J. Kollin
  • Publication number: 20020113701
    Abstract: The invention concerns a Safety tumbler for a member movable between a closed and an open position, said tumbler comprising a housing with at least one safety switch provided with an actuator and a locking element whose locking function can be activated via a drive triggerable by a control system via a triggering signal, and further comprising at least one signal transmitter which detects the position of the actuator, and at least one signal transmitter which detects the position of the drive and/or of the locking element for the purpose of producing corresponding two-channel signals, wherein an electric interface circuit is provided in the housing for connection to a data bus, the interface circuit converting the signals from the signal transmitters into the data protocol of the data bus (10) and generating the triggering signal from the data protocol of the data bus (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Stephan Turk
  • Patent number: 6420971
    Abstract: An electronic seal (2) is disclosed which comprises a housing (4,104) and a closure member co-operable with the housing to form a seal. The closure member may for example take the form of an elongate member (6, 106) connectable at both of its ends to the housing. The closure comprises an outer portion (8, 108) surrounding a core (10, 10A, 110). A sensor assembly (14, 16, 135, 136) is provided for sensing integrity of the core. Hence tampering with the seal can be detected. The core may be formed as a fiber optic cable (10, 10A with an integrity sensor comprising an optical source 14 and an optical detector 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: TRIpseal Limited
    Inventors: Michael John Leck, John Edward Mason
  • Patent number: 6415210
    Abstract: In a vehicle diagnosis information communication system, electric power is supplied from a battery to a vehicle control computer mounted on the vehicle during a period of vehicle operation, while the electric power is supplied to a radio communication unit mounted on the vehicle irrespective of the vehicle operation. The computer transmits a vehicle information such as engine diagnosis result to the radio communication unit through a communication line. The radio communication unit communicates the received vehicle information to an external site of communication in response to a request of the information form the external site of communication irrespective of the supply of the electric power to the computer. Preferably, the supply of the electric power from the battery to the computer is maintained for a predetermined period after the vehicle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Hozuka, Yoshio Nakagaki, Shinichi Sano, Katsumi Takaba, Kazunori Kurokawa, Atsushi Hattori, Akiyoshi Tsuchiya, Hiroyuki Enomoto, Keiichi Osawa
  • Publication number: 20020080030
    Abstract: A user access the control center by a user terminal, and send a request for searching an available locker box in a desired area. The control center has database storing data representing which locker box is available. The control center searches the database for the available locker box which matches the user's request. The control center transmits information of the available locker to the user terminal. As the user reserves the locker, the control center generates one time password (OTP). The control center sends the OTP to the locker controller, and a display unit of the locker displays the OTP. The user inputs the displayed OTP to the user terminal and sends it to the control center. If the OTP is successfully authenticated, the control center sends commands to unlock the locker, thus, the user can use the reserved locker box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Inomata
  • Patent number: 6407666
    Abstract: An electrical connector is for use with a cylindrical member having an electrically conductive coating which can be damaged. The connector comprises a steel stamped ring with a terminal extending from the ring. Three like contacts overly the central opening of the ring and are bent for abutting the received cylindrical member in resilient sliding ohmic engagement regardless of the insertion or withdrawal direction of the member without destructive damage to the member coating. The contacts are relatively stiff to provide vibration resistant engagement with the member. The ring is supported in a slot in a housing to further stiffen the connector and the contact engagement with the member which completes a circuit which if broken is sensed and transmitted as a tampered condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Transguard Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Debrody, Jeffery Eugene Warner, Craig B. Hamilton, Jeffery Alan Brimmer
  • Publication number: 20020067261
    Abstract: A request for an access code for a locking mechanism is received; and a one-time use access code for the locking mechanism is subsequently issued. The one-time use access code may be issued from a list of currently available access codes for the locking mechanism in response to a request therefor, for example by a merchant or delivery service. Such a code may be issued by a server, which server is further responsible for updating the list of available access codes in response to an indication that a code has been used or has otherwise expired. The list of currently available access codes is preferably a subset of all access codes for the locking mechanism, which codes may be generated using a cryptographically strong random number generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: David Kucharczyk, Suzy Brown
  • Patent number: 6400266
    Abstract: A system is provided for sensing the presence of a standard component of a locking mechanism of a door of a trailer when the door is moved to the closed position and is secured. A sensor is provided on the trailer proximate to the locking mechanism. The sensor automatically reacts when a ferrous target comes within its sensing range. Control circuitry on the trailer processes and uses signals from the sensor to perform various functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Wabash Technology Corporation
    Inventor: James B. Brown, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6400254
    Abstract: A keyhole is formed on an operating knob installed on the front surface of a rotary switch. The rotary switch can therefore be operated by inserting into the keyhole an electronic key having a long and narrow shape and then turning the operating knob. As a result, operations for an engine start using the electronic key are the same as those using a conventional key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika-Denki-Sesakusho
    Inventors: Keiji Yamamoto, Kazunori Sakai, Noriaki Nakatomi, Sadato Kita, Yasuo Oyama, Noriyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6400270
    Abstract: A wallet protection system for protecting credit cards is disclosed. The system comprises a selectively openable casing having a thickness. The casing includes a sensor means disposed within the thickness of the casing. The sensor means senses a predetermined pressure applied to the casing. Electronic circuitry is operatively connected to the sensor means for transmitting an electrical charge. Holding means are disposed in the casing. A wireless communication device is operatively associated with the sensor means for sending a wireless disabling signal to a predetermined location for deactivating the cards when the predetermined pressure is sensed by the sensor means. The communication device includes a transmitter operatively connected to an antenna for transmitting the disabling signal to the predetermined location. A power source is operatively connected to the wireless communication device and sensor means for powering the sensor means and the wireless communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Person
  • Patent number: 6357265
    Abstract: A theftproof lock structure includes a number lock body, an alarm, an elastic plate, and a rotary wheel set including a plurality of number wheels and follower wheels. One of the follower wheels includes a boss, and the elastic plate includes a tilt abutting piece detachably abutting the boss. When the number wheels are rotated to a correct position, the alarm is closed. When the number wheels are rotated to deviate from the correct position, the follower wheels are rotated with the number wheels to lock the padlock while the boss of the follower wheel is moved to detach from the abutting piece of the elastic plate, thereby starting the alarm. When a thief touches the number wheels, the buzzer of the alarm will be started to emit sound loudly, thereby efficiently achieving a theftproof function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Hung-yi Chang
  • Patent number: 6356193
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a self safety-protection burglarproof device comprising an uninterruptible power system, an image-capturing unit, an access unit, a lock head, a receiver, a server, a lock mechanism, a control unit, sensing units, and a case-reporting unit. The lock head is at an on state so that input power can be provided to the receiver when the keyhole of the lock head is inserted by a key. When the receiver receives a remote-control signal emitted by an emitter, the server will activate the control unit to stay at a state of alert, and the lock mechanism will be driven to unlock. Therefore, gangsters or burglars can be deterred and arrested in time to more assure public order or safety of inhabitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Young Chuan Liou
  • Patent number: 6348857
    Abstract: A warning device for door lock of car. The door lock has a driving motor to drive a driven shaft to lock the door of the car, and a locking shaft passing through a through hole on the driven shaft. The warning device for door lock of car is characterized in that the through hole is lengthened to form a triggering space and a sensor is provided within the triggering space. When the puller is pulled by external force, the sensor arranged within the triggering space generates a signal to a controlling IC and the controlling IC triggers a driving circuit. The driving circuit drives a loud speaker to alarm the car owner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Tzu-Lung Hsu
  • Patent number: 6344796
    Abstract: Unattended package delivery cross-docking apparatus includes a plurality of storage devices, each having a door with a lock that is locked and unlocked in response to codes. A local lock controller is associated with each of the storage devices and includes an entry device for entering an access code that unlocks the lock when it is locked and a transaction code that locks the lock when it is unlocked. A central operations controller in communication with the local lock controllers is programmed to receive the access and transaction codes entered to each local lock controller, to create an access code for the lock of each storage device upon receiving a transaction code that locks the lock, and to output a notice of the access code to be used to unlock the lock of each storage device when it is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Brivo Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Ogilvie, Mark Stein, Carter Griffin
  • Patent number: 6340933
    Abstract: A pod for transporting a cassette containing semiconductor wafers includes a base and a cover removably carried on the base for protectively enclosing the cassette. A latching mechanism for latching the cover on the base is provided with an electrical sensor that senses when the cover is properly latched on the base and controls an electrical light on the base to provide a visual indication of latch status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd
    Inventors: Yi-Jen Chen, Guey-Shyung Cho
  • Patent number: 6304177
    Abstract: A switching assembly for use with an exit alarm lock. The switching assembly uses two reed switches which must both be closed for the alarm horn to sound. An arm/disarm switch is operated by a magnet on a pivotable switch link which is operated by a link boss on rotatable deadbolt cams which are operated by the key cylinders. An alarm switch is operated by a magnet in the deadbolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel N. Nigro, Jr., William P. Dye, Eugene Karl Siller
  • Patent number: 6297735
    Abstract: A lock for locking valve and electrical switch handles in the “off” position, which lock incorporates a radio transmitter for reporting status of the lock to a remote monitor. The lock has a cable which encircles the handle. The distal end of the cable is connected to the lock and is locked in place. A conductor of an alarm subcircuit passes through the cable, thereby detecting whether the cable has been cut. The monitor includes a radio receiver and a display for displaying status of the monitored lock. The invention optionally utilizes plural locks and plural monitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Jerry Abel