Lock Patents (Class 340/542)
  • Patent number: 6225903
    Abstract: A security alarm system which may be selectively armed or disarmed when monitoring a protected premises is described which utilizes the position of a deadbolt 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 entry door; (ii) a lock for selectively locking and unlocking the entry door; and (iii) a switch having a first state indicative of the lock being in a locked position and a second state indicative of the lock being in an unlocked 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. Sensing means are also provided to determine if the lock was engaged from inside or outside the protected premises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Napco Security Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Soloway, Jorge Hevia, Jerry Smith
  • Patent number: 6194997
    Abstract: An antitheft system for a motor vehicle includes an interior monitoring device and a transceiver unit which are intended to detect the presence of a person or of a key in the interior of the motor vehicle and which are activated as soon as a door is closed. If a person is not detected in the interior, the doors are automatically locked without the user having to undertake particular measures for that purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Reiner Buchner, Thomas Roehrl, Dieter Wagner
  • Patent number: 6181024
    Abstract: A device for locking and unlocking a door lock provided with a door handle on an object, in particular a motor vehicle, has a transmitter unit arranged on the object and a transponder unit assigned to a user. Different methods of operating the device are made possible by designing the door lock as an electromechanical lock which can be locked and unlocked optionally by a manually operable key and/or a button arranged on the inside or electronically by the transmitter and transponder units, and operation is ensured even in the event of a failure of the electric power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Geil, Jörg Jehlicka, Stephan Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6177869
    Abstract: A removable security device for a portable article that includes an alarm housing with an audible electronic alarm circuit and a locking mechanism, a receiver that attaches to the portable article. The alarm housing has a pair of opposed rails that define a channel and the receiver has a pair of opposed flanges that mate with and that slide into the channel. A lock bolt, operated by the locking mechanism, extends from the alarm housing into a shaped depression in the receiver to secure the alarm housing to the receiver, and retracts from the depression to permit removal of the alarm housing from the receiver. The audible alarm is triggered by a motion detector or by cutting an attached cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Kryptonite Corporation
    Inventor: Cornelius McDaid
  • Patent number: 6130622
    Abstract: A remote convenience system (10) for remote control performance of a function includes a portable transceiver (14) and a controller transceiver (16). Preferably, the system (10) is for a vehicle (12), and the controller transceiver (16) is vehicle-based. The portable transceiver (14) is operable for remote control requests, and includes circuitry (42, 52, 54, and 60) for transmitting a function request signal (18) that contains a function request (C) and a security key (T.sub.1). Also, circuitry (42, 52, 54, and 60) of the portable transceiver (14) receives a response signal (36) that contains a new security key (T.sub.2), and updates to the new security key. The vehicle-based transceiver (16) includes circuitry (30, 74, 78, and 82) for processing valid function requests and for controlling performance of the requested function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Hussey, Joan F. Rayford
  • Patent number: 6130611
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a locking system (31) for an entry door to a security enclosure arranged in an environment. This locking system includes a mechanism (33) able to command, in response to an instruction, the locking or unlocking of the entry door, storage means (43) able to contain reference data (X3) relating to a parameter (X) linked to the environment, and depending on the environment, and a processing unit (37) able to receive the reference data and parameter measurement data (X2) and, in response, to supply the command instruction. This arrangement gives the locking system autonomous control of the development of a parameter and centralised control of the locking and/or unlocking. The storage means (43) can be arranged to give the locking system the faculty of intelligent interpretation of the events and phenomena occuring during its daily operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Ilco-Unican S.A./Rehlor Division
    Inventors: Pierre Pellaton, Didier Domine
  • Patent number: 6100802
    Abstract: An alarmed cable lock that sounds an alarm upon an attempt to open the lock or remove the secured item while the alarm is armed. The invention includes a lock, a cable, a power source and an alarm. The lock includes a C-channel closed at one end, a switch, and a blocking pin. The cable is attached at one end to the lock. The free end of the cable terminates in a head that is formed to slide in the C-channel. The switch is exposed in the C-channel. When the lock is armed, the blocking pin extends into the C-channel to prevent the free end of the cable from sliding out of the open C-channel end. If an attempt is made to remove the end of the cable by sliding it out the C-channel, the head passes by the switch and sets off the alarm. The alarm/lock features are operated by remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Nitro Security Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Morgan Allen Adams
  • Patent number: 6078256
    Abstract: A dead-bolt receptacle unit and monitoring system which allows an operator to quickly and efficiently determine a status of a dead-bolt, i.e. whether the dead-bolt is bolted or unbolted. A dead-bolt receiving unit is provided into which a dead-bolt cylinder is inserted. A dead-bolt detecting unit is formed in a dead-bolt receiving unit, and the dead-bolt detecting unit detects a presence of the dead-bolt cylinder in the dead-bolt receiving unit. The dead-bolt detecting unit further outputs a dead-bolt detecting signal which is based on the detected presence of the dead-bolt cylinder and the dead-bolt receiving slot. A central indicator unit receives the dead-bolt detecting signals output by each dead-bolt detecting unit, and provides an indication of the status of each dead-bolt, i.e. whether each dead-bolt is bolted or unbolted. Such a system allows an operator to quickly and easily determine the status of each dead-bolt in a home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: DesignTech International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Gottlieb
  • Patent number: 6069563
    Abstract: The seal system is comprised of a custom integrated circuit utilizing a special CMOS gate-array technology that can be utilized to build inexpensive tamper-resistant electronic seals. The electronic circuit includes a special analog as well as digital, single-chip circuitry that senses the state of the seal, and when interrogated, transmits that state via a 35-bit data word to a seal reader device, allowing remote monitoring and control of containers and expensive goods. Any attempt to tamper with the seal will be recorded in the circuit for later transmittal to the hand-held seal reader/verifier. Each seal has a unique 20-bit identification number, combined with a 6-bit random seal code and a 6-bit resistance value. The seal electronics may be utilized in a way to provide several types of seals, namely, a shipping container seal, an event triggering seal, and event logging seal, and a tamper-proof seal as well as combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventors: Steven P. Kadner, William M. Resnik, Micha Auerbach
  • Patent number: 6054930
    Abstract: A device for detecting meter opening, the meter including at least a first structural element and a second structural element that are in a given position relative to each other when the meter is closed, said device comprising: a moving member connected to the first element and organized to take up a stable state or an unstable state as a function of the displacement of one of the structural elements relative to the other; holding means connected at least to the second element and co-operating with the moving member as a function of the displacement of one of the structural elements relative to the other, so as to hold said moving member in its unstable state and so as to enable it to go to its stable state; and detection means suitable for determining the state of the moving member and for emitting an opening signal when the moving member is in a predetermined state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Schlumberger Industries, S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Guillon
  • Patent number: 6040771
    Abstract: An intelligent safe system. The safe system includes a safe including a housing and lockable door thereto, a central processing unit for controlling access to the safe by operating the lockable door, a card reader for reading access codes from an access card to control the lockable door, a sensor for detecting security violations, a modem for transmitting alarm signals from the CPU to indicate a security violation and for receiving external control data to lock or open the lockable door, and an audio alarm device for indicating security violations. The central processing unit may further includes a memory for storing the card numbers. A sensor may be coupled to the housing for detecting the locking an opening of the lockable door. A display may also be coupled to the housing for displaying acceptance of access codes. Further, the safe system also includes a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Jitae Kim
  • Patent number: 6020816
    Abstract: An alarm and bolt apparatus for a building opening closure panel hingedly mounted within a perimeter frame in a building opening includes a bolt assembly having a bolt and a mechanism for extending and retracting the bolt, a bolt receiving housing fitted into the closure panel frame, the housing having a forward wall portion with a bolt receiving opening, a side wall portion and a rearward wall portion, an alarm circuit within the building, and a lever switch with a switch lever for operating the switch and electrical switch terminals connecting the switch within the alarm circuit, the switch lever extending within the bolt receiving housing, where the housing is sized in depth relative to the throw of the bolt so that when the bolt is fully extended from the bolt assembly, the bolt extends into the housing to an extent that the bolt is positioned laterally adjacent to the switch lever, so that when the closure panel is moved toward an open position, such movement drives the bolt laterally against the switch
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Andrew Agozzino
  • Patent number: 6018292
    Abstract: A emergency trunk release apparatus of disclosed, comprised of comprising a lock bypass panel, located inside a trunk compartment. The lock bypass panel consists of an activation switch that is wired in parallel with a vehicle's electric trunk release such that its actuation will cause the trunk to open. The activation switch is a depression-type activation switch with an enlarged pad surface that allows it to be found easily in a dark trunk environment. The activation switch may be illuminated by any conventional means, so as to facilitate viewing in the darkness of the trunk. The present invention also includes a manual deactivation switch that takes the present invention temporarily out of service during times where cargo may accidentally activate the activation switch. It is envisioned that the present invention may be installed as a retrofit kit on existing automobiles or as original equipment on new vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventor: Joseph W. Penny, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6008726
    Abstract: An alarm device for a lock which provides a security system which displays unauthorized tampering with the lock. The device senses unauthorized movement of one or several elements in the lock and causes an alarm signal which may only be terminated by resetting the device by authorized operation of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: VingCard AS
    Inventor: Ketil Hagen
  • Patent number: 5999095
    Abstract: An access control unit for an electrified door lock also toggles the state of an associated alarm. The unit is arranged to unlock the door only temporarily, but the alarm state is not toggled except by user request. The system is arranged to prevent the anomalous situation of an unlocked door and an armed alarm. Another aspect is the use of standardized key-receiving nests in disparate types of access control devices. Some disparate devices employ identical key-receiving nests, while others use different forms of nests. Yet all mate with and respond to a single type of key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: SLC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Earl, Antonio P. Valenzuela, Michael C. Toll, Wayne F. Larson
  • Patent number: 5995517
    Abstract: An FM multiplexed broadcasting signal received by an antenna and FM-demodulated by an FM tuner portion is demodulated by a demodulation LSI into a digital signal corresponding to packet data. The digital signal is successively supplied by every packet to a CPU of a receiving portion. The CPU of the receiving portion removes unnecessary data of the received data and then supplies only data required for a CPU of a personal computer via a buffer without delay from the reception. When a transferred packet is a successive reproduction program packet or a time information packet, the CPU of the personal computer calculates latency required before a predetermined data analysis processing is started, and performs data analysis processing in an elapse of the latency. Responsively, reconfiguration of program data is performed and corresponding character information or the like is output to a displaying portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Tomida, Hironori Mitoh, Masahiro Sata
  • Patent number: 5986564
    Abstract: A locking system is disclosed which comprises a microcomputer controlled lock with multiple level keying, i.e. multiple keys having different functions in the locking system. A key reader, for example punch card or magnetic type, reads key code into the microcomputer. A read/write memory has a predetermined number of assigned key codes stored therein and a read-only memory has a control program stored therein for control of the microcomputer. An electrically controlled actuator for the locking means is coupled with an unlocking output of the microcomputer. The control program comprises a main program and a plurality of subroutines each stored at a different location in the read-only memory. A function table has a number of pointers each of which points to the memory address of one of the subroutines. The number of pointers in the function table is equal to the number of locations in the key code memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Computerized Security Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen George Fraser
  • Patent number: 5983347
    Abstract: An electronic authentication device has an authentication key unit for user authentication with respect to the target unit, which key unit communicates electronically with the target unit during an authentication communication process. An electronic authentication communication process is activated automatically when the key unit approaches the target unit or when a triggering element provided on the target unit is actuated. For increased protection against unauthorized authentication attempts, indicating apparatus are provided on the key unit to display the fact that an electronic authentication communication process is taking place. Also switching apparatus can be provided for allowing or blocking an authentication communication process, and a communication duration monitor can also be provided on the target unit to monitor the duration of an authentication communication process and block authentication if this duration exceeds a predetermined maximum duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Horst Brinkmeyer, Michael Daiss, Guenter Schwegler
  • Patent number: 5973624
    Abstract: An electronic combination lock includes a combination lock having a dial with no markings thereon. Rotation of the dial drives a generator which produces electrical pulses. The voltage pulses serves as a power source for the electronics of the lock. The lock also includes a security feature to disable the lock if the combination dial is stopped between dial rotations for a period of time which indicates dialing by an automatic dialer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: C & M Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Clayton Miller, Michael P. Harvey
  • Patent number: 5955947
    Abstract: An emergency response security structure-opening assembly for use in unlocking a locked structure comprising: a radio frequency receiver formed to detect only uncoded radio frequency signals on a restricted emergency radio frequency; an actuator coupled to said receiver and formed for coupling to one of a security structure lock assembly and an unlocking mechanism for a security structure lock assembly at a position by-passing any authorized user input device; said receiver being responsive to detected signals to actuate said actuator and produce unlocking of said lock assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventors: Pete Sutsos, Robert Triebel, David Nisenson, Robert Baeyen
  • Patent number: 5942973
    Abstract: A locking system for a security container includes a frame in cabinet form, a jamb formed on the frame, a movable locker plate which determines opening and closing of a door by overlapping with the jamb and which is formed on the door, a combination lock determining the movement of the locker plate, and a double relocking system including a first relocking system operated when a dial portion of the combination lock is attacked, and a second relocking system operated when a cam bolt portion of said combination lock is attacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kyeong Ryong Lee
  • Patent number: 5923264
    Abstract: An electronic door security system employs an input console having two 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 either reader transforms the controller to a power-up mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Harrow Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary E. Lavelle, Peter S. Conklin, Brian D. Hass, John E. Walsh, III
  • Patent number: 5905446
    Abstract: An electronic security system for controlling access to a plurality of storage locations. The system includes an electronic lock associated with each storage location, a central control terminal for controlling operation of the security system, a programming terminal to program a plurality of keys, and an identification terminal for identifying authorized users of the security system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: DieBold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Randolph C. Benore, Leo J. Grosswiller, Shawn Gibson, Donald Neidlinger
  • Patent number: 5903216
    Abstract: A security structure-opening assembly (12) for use in unlocking a locked structure (24) comprising: a radio frequency receiver (16) formed to detect radio frequency signals on a radio frequency; an actuator (20) coupled to the receiver (16) and formed for coupling to one of a security structure lock assembly (25) and an unlocking mechanism (22A) for a security structure lock assembly (25) at a position by-passing any authorized user input device (23); the receiver (16) being responsive to detected signals to actuate the actuator (20) and produce unlocking of the lock assembly (25). At progressively higher levels of security, the radio signal is analyzed by a private line detector circuit (30), a digital burst detector circuit (31) and a decoder circuit (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventors: Pete Sutsos, Robert Triebel, David Nisenson, Robert Baeyen
  • Patent number: 5887466
    Abstract: A door lock system includes a door lock mechanism, and a connecting mechanism whereby the door lock mechanism and the door lock knob are connected to permit unlocking using the door lock knob, when the motion sensor detects movement inside the vehicle within a predetermined time after the door lock mechanism and the door lock knob are disconnected to prohibit unlocking using the door lock knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 5865049
    Abstract: A lock system has a lock cylinder pivotal about an axis between a pair of end positions and through a center starting position, a key fittable into the cylinder and actuatable to pivot the cylinder between its positions, an arcuate magnet centered on the axis and coupled to the cylinder for joint movement therewith, and a pair of angularly spaced Hall-effect sensors adjacent the magnet, trippable by the magnet to generate respective outputs, and positioned such that in the central position the magnet is closely juxtaposed with and trips both sensors, in one of the end positions the magnet is closely juxtaposed with and trips only one of the sensors and is spaced from the other of the sensors, and in the other end position the magnet is closely juxtaposed with and trips only the other sensor and is spaced from the one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Hagen Friedrich, Andreas Siekierka, Thorsten Torkowski
  • Patent number: 5862691
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle door-latch system has a key cylinder pivotal about an axis from a center starting position into a pair of opposite end positions flanking the center position, a key insertable into the cylinder only in the starting position thereof, a latch operable by the cylinder on displacement of same into one of the end positions, and an arcuate magnet pivotal about the axis, polarized generally parallel to the axis, and coupled to the cylinder for joint angular movement therewith. A pair of hall-effect sensors are juxtaposed with the magnet and positioned such that in the central position the magnet is closely juxtaposed with both sensors, in the one end position the magnet is closely juxtaposed with one of the sensors and is spaced from the other of the sensors, and in the other end position the magnet is closely juxtaposed with the other sensor and is spaced from the one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Hagen Friedrich, Andreas Siekierka, Thorsten Torkowski
  • Patent number: 5844470
    Abstract: Opening of a motor vehicle door, having a door lock, is controlled by a system which includes: a door handle pivoted on the door for displacement between a rest position and an open position and connected to the door lock through a linkage; an intermediate lever which is pivoted about a pivot axis on the door and which is connected to the linkage; and a motorized mechanism interposed between the door handle and the intermediate lever. The motorized mechanism is arranged to assume, selectively, an inhibiting state in which manipulation of the door handle has no effect on the intermediate lever, and an operational state in which manipulation of the handle causes simultaneous displacement of the intermediate lever. When this mechanism is actuated to shift it from its inhibiting state to its operational state, the intermediate lever is displaced until the door lock is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventors: Joel Garnault, Haja Rabeony, Jean-Claude Boulay
  • Patent number: 5841347
    Abstract: A one-touch doorlock device having a construction capable of being easily mounted at either a left or right side of a door by a simple manipulation, locking the door only by manipulating the doorknob without any additional manipulation, and outputting speech messages respectively corresponding to locked and unlocked states of the door by use of a microcomputer and a ROM as a speech memory stored with speech messages. The device thus provides easy and convenient doorlock mounting and provides convenience in use to the user. The doorlock device includes door locking mechanism for moving the locking bolt to its locked position. The door locking mechanism has a rotating member operatively connected to the doorknobs in such a manner that the rotating member rotates by a manipulation of the doorknobs, thereby moving the locking bolt between an extended position corresponding to the locked position and a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Duk Poong Mool San Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung-Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 5841356
    Abstract: An appliance safety alarm including a first sensing circuit for detecting operation of the appliance, a second sensing circuit for detecting when an access cover, such as a dryer door or washer lid, is in the open condition, and a control circuit having first and second inputs in connection with the first and second sensing circuits and having an output controlling an audible alerting device. The control circuit is constructed in a manner to provide an activation signal to the audible alerting device when the access cover is opened while the appliance is in operation and when the access cover remains open for more than a predetermined period when the appliance is not in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventors: James Woodruff, Elizabeth Woodruff
  • Patent number: 5838232
    Abstract: A multi-purpose locking device including a key made of a material, which is not a metal, but a synthetic resin, thereby enabling the key to be easily carried by the user. The key also has a configuration capable of selecting a key number from numerous possible key numbers, thereby preventing even skilled lock-picking persons from opening the locking device unless the key is used. The key includes a plurality of fine apertures and block members fitted in selected ones of the apertures and adapted to close those apertures. Light receiving positions are set by the apertures not closed by the block members whereas light shielding positions are set by the apertures closed by the block members. A locked state of the locking device is unlocked only when light is received at the light receiving positions while being shielded at the light shielding positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventors: Won Suk Kim, Jung Hoon Rhe
  • Patent number: 5835014
    Abstract: Protection of manual override lock and key systems for an electronic security system is provided by an annunciator system which is activated when access to a manual override keyhole is attempted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Peter S. Morello
  • Patent number: 5825288
    Abstract: A monitoring device for narrow stile, metal frame doors having a mounting plate securable to the door jamb adjacent the strike slot. A switch is mounted on a bracket extending from the face plate and the switch is connectable to an existing alarm system. A trigger normally engages the switch actuator pin. When the closure or door is closed and the dead bolt engaged in the strike slot, the trigger will disengage the pin allowing the alarm system to be armed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Securitron Magnalock Corp.
    Inventor: Dennis Wojdan
  • Patent number: 5805054
    Abstract: An automobile theft prevention system including a bistable switching device that receives a voltage input, delivers and controls a voltage output to drive an essential electrical circuit in the engine electrical system of an automobile. The system has circuitry coupled with the switches of the standard door switch circuit installed on automobiles associated with interior lighting. When a door is opened, circuitry of the system will be actuated thereby, to sequentially activate visible alarm devices, electrically shut down the engine and activate audible alarms. Entering a coded signal before opening a door prevents shutting down of the engine. When the engine shuts down by opening a door or by depressing a panic button on a code impulse device, it requires the entry of a coded signal to be restarted, as well as to turn off the visible and audible alarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Merrill Baxter
  • Patent number: 5786759
    Abstract: An alarming wire lock includes an alarm circuit provided in the wire lock having a self-retractable wire wound in the lock casing and outwardly pulled to lock a thing by fastening the wire on the thing, whereby upon cutting of the wire or upon vibration of the thing, the alarm circuit will be actuated for sounding for safety warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Chong-Kuan Ling
  • Patent number: 5783995
    Abstract: A doorknob system (10) with an intrusion alarm includes a separate U-shaped battery pack (24) having mounting apparatus for mounting the battery pack on an exterior surface of an interior cover plate (22), with interengaging cover-plate and battery pack terminals (62a,b; 6a,b) for transmitting electrical energy from batteries (54) in the battery pack to an electrical alarm (26). A filler protrusion (44) on the interior cover plate spans legs (24a,b) of the U-shaped battery pack. A signal emitter (68) is mounted in the cover plate and first and second signal-actuation switches (70, 72) are mounted on a door latch assembly (20). Free wires (98a,b) are provided between the signal emitter and the door latch assembly. The second signal-actuation switch (72) is operated by a lock shaft (28) and a first signal-actuation switch is operated by rotation of a doorknob shaft (78).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Coley B. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5774043
    Abstract: When an ignition switch detects that a key rotor of an ignition key cylinder has been turned to the accessory position by a key, a controller energizes a primary coil to cause it to output a high-frequency signal. In the key, a secondary battery is charged with a constant DC voltage generated from an AC voltage induced across a secondary coil. A transmission circuit is powered by the secondary battery, and allowed by a timer circuit to transmit a radio signal including an identification code during a predetermined period after the high-frequency signal is received by the key. Alternatively, the controller energizes the primary coil plural times with a cycle consisting of predetermined output and pause periods if the transmitted identification code does not coincide with a preset identification code at the first comparing attempt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Mizuno, Sadao Kokubu, Hisashi Aoki, Takashi Mizuno
  • Patent number: 5757269
    Abstract: A closure latch or bolt monitoring device having a housing mountable in a closure frame which housing receives a latch or bolt. A pivotal rocker plate is normally biased to a rest position in which a flange portion of the rocker engages a switch connectable to an alarm system. When a latch or bolt is extended into the housing, the rocker plate is pivoted causing it to disengage from the switch providing an indication to the alarm system that the bolt or latch is properly engaged in the closure. An alternate embodiment allows separate monitoring of two lock components such as a separate bolt and latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Securitron Magnalock Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Roth, Dennis E. Wojdan
  • Patent number: 5754107
    Abstract: In an apparatus and method for deterring and preventing forced entry intrusion into residential and commercial premises, the apparatus is a combination vertically operated dead bolt door lock surrounded by an alarm housing having battery means, a loud speaker, and a contact switch. The lock striker plate is mounted to the door frame as usual, but the lock is not mounted to the door at all, but rather is attached in suspension within the alarm housing. The alarm housing is attached to the door, and the lock within the housing is offset so as to float in spaced-apart relationship from the door on which the alarm housing is installed. Upon an intrusion effort, the door, together with the alarm housing will be shoved inward toward the premises by the intruder. But the lock floating within the alarm housing will be restrained by its engagement with the striker plate mounted to the door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Salvatore Ferrantelli
  • Patent number: 5752728
    Abstract: An alarm-triggering locking mechanism for the lock and/or hinge area of a door to be secured or a window to be secured is proposed, which is embodied as a locking plate (23) which can be attached to a door or window frame by means of holding screws (27) embodied as the first blocking device. A second blocking device, which is harder to overcome by the effect of force, is embodied as at least one striker element (25) rigidly connected with the locking plate (23) and which, following the limited movement of the locking plate (23) in the opening direction, comes to rest against a counter-striker element (26) anchored on the door or window frame. An alarm, in particular a silent alarm, is triggered via radio or the telephone net after the first blocking device has been overcome. The burglar is thereafter delayed by the second blocking device, which makes it possible for security forces to reach the location of the break-in and to arrest the burglar while the break-in is still in progress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Erich Matouschek
  • Patent number: 5736924
    Abstract: An alarm lock comprises a main body, a lock core and an alarm device. The main body is provided with a first axial hole and a second axial hole. The lock core has a body capable of a reciprocating motion in the first axial hole. The lock core further has a lock bolt, a locating member and a locating portion. The lock bolt is capable of a reciprocating motion along with the body while the locating member and the locating portion are intended for locating the lock core. The alarm device is disposed in the main body which is further provided with a third axial hole in which a connection member is disposed slidably. The lock bolt is provided with a driving section which is in turn provided peripherally with a first driving portion, a second driving portion, and a third driving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Jin-Ren Shieh
  • Patent number: 5735487
    Abstract: A remote indication system for a cargo door which indicates the following conditions: Opened, Closed, Latched, Unlocked and Locked. The entire system, including sensors, is independent of the standard flight deck warning system. This provides the required redundancy for the system so that direct observation is not required. An independent system from the standard flight deck warning system and/or the indication for each step of the process rather than just "open/closed" is utilized in the present cargo door control and indicating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Vernon L. Abild, Stephen J. Huard
  • Patent number: 5727405
    Abstract: An alarm padlock (10) comprising a shackle (12) having a long leg (14) and a short leg (16). A body (18) is provided. A facility (20) in the body (18) is for mounting the shackle (12) in a reciprocal movement between a closed position and an extended open position, in which the short leg (16) of the shackle (12) is outside of the body (18) and the long leg (14) of the shackle (12) can swivel within the body (18). A latch mechanism (22) in the body (18) engages with the short leg (16) of the shackle (12), when the shackle (12) is in it's closed position. A lock mechanism (24) in the body (18) is operable to disengage the latch mechanism (22) from the short leg (16) of the shackle (12). An alarm circuit (26) in the body (18) actuates to emit a warning signal when an unauthorized person violates and tampers with the shackle (12) and the body (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Daryl Cromwell
  • Patent number: 5712615
    Abstract: A lighting system comprising a selectively operable light source, RF receiver for reproducing a received pulsed RF signal. Means for determining whether the reproduced RF signal is within an acceptable range of asymmetric patterns of "on" pulse times followed by "off" times selected to include a plurality of different asymmetric patterns and operating means for the light source for a selected period of time when the determining means determine that the reproduced RF signal is within acceptable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: George E. Maffey, David A. Saar, Raymond W. Simpson
  • Patent number: 5708409
    Abstract: An alerting device for an vehicle includes a sensor which senses the position of the movable locking knob of the vehicle and provides a switch output to a circuit which produces an alerting sound when the door locking knob has been opened. In one form thereof, the door locking knob is replaced with a structure which movably supports a magnet which moves between a position which is near a magnet sensor and a position where it is away from the magnet sensors. When the door locking knob is moved to the open position, the magnetic sensor senses its condition and causes the circuit to output an audible alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Martin Schwimmer
    Inventors: Martin Schwimmer, Max Moskowitz
  • Patent number: 5686890
    Abstract: A lock and alarm device for securing a door activates an alarm of 110-120 decibels for approximately 60 seconds if a force on the door exceeding about 20-30 pounds is detected. An arrangement comprising a dead bolt or handle lock assembly includes an alarm unit mounted on a plate adjacent the lock for detecting forced entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph Y. Ko
  • Patent number: 5680094
    Abstract: A key reminder device for use in combination with a key lock mechanism having an adjustable timer with a predetermined timer interval electrically coupled to a replaced power supply. The timer is energized upon detection of a conventional key inserted into the key lock mechanism. Should the key remain in the key lock mechanism beyond a predetermined time, the timer will activate an audible alarm to remind the owner of the keys to remove them. Should the timer be set at a low level, the device operates to indicate the presence of a key. When used in combination with a visual indicator, the key reminder provides an indicator of door entry to the hearing impaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Raul Guim, Elena Guim
  • Patent number: 5680095
    Abstract: A security apparatus for buildings, vehicles and the like includes a switch mounted adjacent to a closure access member. A housing mounted adjacent to the closure access member receives a member movable between first and second positions. When the movable member is in the first position, a magnet mounted in the member is disposed in close proximity to the switch to magnetically move the switch contact to an open position. When the movable member is moved to a second position, the magnet is magnetically decoupled from the switch enabling the switch contact to close to ground completing a circuit to activating the alarm. In another embodiment, the magnet is mounted in a body. A rod extends from the body and carries a holder and a lock cylinder engagement member at another end. The lock cylinder engagement member is releasibly insertible into a lock cylinder to position the magnet adjacent to a switch mounted on the closure member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Gordon Hartunian
    Inventor: Faris Nassouri
  • Patent number: 5670940
    Abstract: The electric lock system operates to block access to the room when a guest key has been used and the guest is detected as being present in the room. The lock blocks access to hotel staff and provides the guest greater privacy in the room. The lock system employs an electronic lock in combination with a motion detector for detecting the presence of the guest in the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: TrioVing a.s
    Inventors: Glen Holcomb, William Reed
  • Patent number: 5656990
    Abstract: An alerting device for an vehicle includes a sensor which senses the position of the movable locking knob of the vehicle and provides a switch output to a circuit which produces an alerting sound when the door locking knob has been opened. In one form thereof, the door locking knob is replaced with a structure which movably supports a magnet which moves between a position which is near a magnet sensor and a position where it is away from the magnet sensors. When the door locking knob is moved to the open position, the magnetic sensor senses its condition and causes the circuit to output an audible alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Martin Schwimmer