Systems Patents (Class 70/262)
  • Patent number: 11713600
    Abstract: An apparatus including a capture device and a processor. The capture device may be configured to generate a plurality of video frames corresponding to an interior view of a vehicle. The processor may be configured to perform operations on the video frames to detect objects in the video frames, detect an occupant of the vehicle and a seat of the vehicle based on the objects detected in the video frames, determine a status of the occupant based on characteristics of the occupant detected in the video frames and generate a signal in response to a comparison of the status of the occupant to a threshold. The characteristics may be determined by performing the operations on the occupant in the video frames. The signal may be configured to control a door lock. The door lock controlled by the signal may correspond to the seat used by the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Ambarella International LP
    Inventor: Ching-Yu Weng
  • Patent number: 11216598
    Abstract: A method of securing a computer at a docking station, where the docking station includes a physical lock for selectively engaging with a locking interface of the computer to prevent removal of the computer from the docking station, the method includes: during a period of time in which the computer is registering a presence of an authenticated user at the computer, maintaining the physical lock of the docking station in an unlocked state disengaged from the locking interface of the computer; and when the computer is entering a locked state in response to a departure of the authenticated user from the computer, signaling the physical lock of the docking station to engage with the locking interface of the computer to prevent removal of the computer from the docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Mauricio Schramm, Tadeu Marchese
  • Patent number: 10961746
    Abstract: A mortise lock system may include a plurality of hub lock actuators which may be independently actuatable to inhibit a retraction of a latch bolt of the mortise lock system. One of the plurality of hub lock actuators may be electrically driven and responsive to a lockdown command received from a remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: dormakaba USA Inc.
    Inventor: Brian H. Hood
  • Patent number: 9441403
    Abstract: A power locking pull or push button handle assembly is provided for a vehicle door having a lock and a latch. The handle assembly includes a base with a housing. A handle is pivotally mounted on the base, a power lock assembly is mounted within the housing on the base, and a keypad on the handle is operatively connected to the power lock assembly for keyless unlocking of the door. The handle includes a cover and backbone secured together, with the keypad sandwiched between the cover and backbone. The keypad is reinforced with a steel plate. Loads on the handle are shared by the backbone, cover, and keypad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: TRIMARK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason Kraus, Anita L. Reichling, Eric Wickstrom, David S. Magner
  • Publication number: 20150059424
    Abstract: A motor vehicle door includes an electrically operable motor vehicle door lock (3) and a handle (5, 6) that is able to swivel around an axis (A). The handle (5, 6) is designed mechanically independent of the motor vehicle door lock (3). In addition, the handle 5, 6 has at least one associated drive (8, 9). The drive (8, 9) moves the handle (5, 6) into a gripping position or into a covering position, depending on the locked state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Rob Hunt
  • Publication number: 20150007622
    Abstract: A door entry device comprising includes a case, a key holder and a key pad. The case covers a door-locking device on a door. The key holder has a slot into which a key end fits. The knob is mounted on the case. A currently active security code can be entered into the keypad. When the currently active security code has been entered into the keypad, turning the knob results in turning the key holder to unlock the door-locking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Merrick Schmidt-Lackner, Clark Zhe Li
  • Publication number: 20140260447
    Abstract: A door entry device comprising includes a case, a key holder and a key pad. The case covers a door-locking device on a door. The key holder has a slot into which a key end fits. The knob is mounted on the case. A currently active security code can be entered into the keypad. When the currently active security code has been entered into the keypad, turning the knob results in turning the key holder to unlock the door-locking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Merrick Schmidt-Lackner, Clark Zhe Li
  • Patent number: 8517162
    Abstract: An electronic lock is provided for removably securing a movable item to a structure, the electronic lock comprising first and second complementary cooperating member, each mounted to a respective one of the movable item and the structure and being engageable together in a lockable position and a securing assembly for securing the first and second connecting member together when engaged in the lockable position, wherein the securing assembly comprises inter alia a position detecting means, an electronic control means, an actuator, a locking aperture and a movable locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Societe de Velo en Libre-Service
    Inventors: Charles Ibrahim Khairallah, Michel Dallaire
  • Patent number: 8513544
    Abstract: Weight is used to help identify key and ring combinations authorized to certain persons. This is done by associating a weigh scale with each storage box for key and ring combinations, all of which have different total weights. The weights of all the key and ring combinations are registered with a computer, along with authentication and storage information. Then as key and ring combinations are removed from or returned to a storage box, they are weighed on scale 25 so that a computer can compare the scale weight with a registered weight. For any discrepancy, the computer can initiate one of many security actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Key Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George H Eckerdt
  • Patent number: 8276411
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a closure such as door or a window that opens and closes by movement relative to a fixed structure such as a wall or a floor. Many embodiments provide a device for relocating a padlock from its normal location where it secures a fastener (such as a hasp) to a location for the padlock that is more accessible for locking and unlocking the padlock. Typically an extender is provided, where the extender has a hook at a first end that is disposed through the eye of the staple of the hasp, and at an opposing second end the extender has an annulus, such as a hole in the extender or a loop or ring affixed to the extender. The shackle of the padlock may be disposed through the annulus and may be disposed through the eye of a second staple to secure the door or window in a closed or open position. Some embodiments employ a rigid sheath to enclose at least a portion of the extender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Y-12, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick A. Thomas, II
  • Patent number: 8272491
    Abstract: An electronic lock is provided for removably securing a movable item to a structure, the electronic lock comprising first and second complementary cooperating member, each mounted to a respective one of the movable item and the structure and being engageable together in a lockable position and a securing assembly for securing the first and second connecting member together when engaged in the lockable position, wherein the securing assembly comprises inter alia a position detecting means, an electronic control means, an actuator, a locking aperture and a movable locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Societe de Velo en Libre-Service
    Inventors: Charles Ibrahim Khairallah, Michel Dallaire
  • Patent number: 8061499
    Abstract: An electronic lock for removably securing a movable item to a structure, the electronic lock comprising first and second complementary cooperating connecting members, each being fixedly mounted to a respective one of the movable item and the structure and being engageable together in a lockable position; and a securing assembly for securing the first and second connecting members together when engaged in the lockable position, the securing assembly comprising a movable locking member operatively associated to the first connecting member, a locking aperture defined in the second connecting member, the locking aperture being adapted for receiving the movable locking member when the connecting members are engaged together in the lockable position; an actuator operatively coupled to the movable locking member for actuating the movable locking member between an unlocked position enabling disengagement of the first and second connecting members and a locked position wherein the movable locking member engages the lo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Societe de Velo En Libre-Service
    Inventors: Charles Ibrahim Khairallah, Michel Dallaire
  • Patent number: 7984938
    Abstract: A door handle device for a vehicle includes a first handle member made of resin and formed with a housing portion which houses an electronic component and is arranged opposing to the outer panel and a second handle member covering the housing portion and assembled to the first handle member. A first connector, which protrudes in a vehicle width direction penetrating through the outer panel, is provided at an end of the first handle member. A board mounted with a control circuit connected to the electronic component is housed in the housing portion in a state where the board is connected to a terminal of the first connector and a terminal of the electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsurou Tanimoto, Koichi Nagata, Eiji Mushiake
  • Patent number: 7973431
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for locking and/or unlocking a door lock, especially in an electric appliance that is provided with a door for closing or opening a work area. Said circuit arrangement comprises an electrically actuated door lock actuator which acts upon a locking member when a current flows through the actuator, said locking member locking or unlocking the door lock. A series connection that is composed of two switching devices is arranged in the triggering circuit of the door lock actuator, said two switching devices being controllable by the control device which emits output signals to actuate the two switching devices once specific triggering signals have been fed to the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Feldmeier
  • Patent number: 7956741
    Abstract: A tumbler-type lock apparatus for use with a tumbler-type card key having a code pattern region including an array of holes and non-hole portions that expresses a key code of the tumbler-type card key. The tumbler-type lock apparatus includes a slider case and a slider movable relative to the slider case when the tumbler-type card key is inserted into the tumbler-type lock apparatus. Tumblers extending in the slider case and slider each correspond to one of the holes or non-hole portions. Springs bias the tumblers towards the slider. The tumbler-type lock apparatus verifies the tumbler-type card key when the tumblers are engaged with the slider case and slider during insertion of the tumbler-type card key. The slider includes accommodation portions. A distal end of the tumbler that has passed through the corresponding hole of the tumbler-type card key is accommodated in the corresponding accommodation portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takumi Tamezane, Toshiharu Katagiri
  • Publication number: 20090293560
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided with a first lock release code store memory including a first lock release code; a lock release flag store memory including a lock release flag that shows whether or not a lock is released; a comparison portion comparing the first lock release code with a second lock release code input by an input device; a control portion releasing, when the comparison by the comparison portion results in agreement, the lock to permit the electronic device to operate normally; and a determination portion determining whether or not the lock release flag store memory is authentic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Ikeguchi
  • Publication number: 20090284024
    Abstract: A door lock assembly for a pair of sliding doors that slide between open and closed positions. The door lock assembly comprising a pair of latches, each of the pair of latches configured to latch an associated one of the pair of sliding doors. Each of the sliding doors has an associated lock engagement structure. Each of the latches is cooperable with the associated lock engagement structure such that the lock engagement structure moves the latch from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration only when the door(s) carrying the lock engagement structure is (are) moved to a fully closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: THE STANLEY WORKS
    Inventors: Peter DeLeonardis, Ronald R. Laliberte
  • Publication number: 20090266673
    Abstract: An electronic lock for removably securing a movable item to a structure, the electronic lock comprising first and second complementary cooperating connecting members, each being fixedly mounted to a respective one of the movable item and the structure and being engageable together in a lockable position; and a securing assembly for securing the first and second connecting members together when engaged in the lockable position, the securing assembly comprising a movable locking member operatively associated to the first connecting member, a locking aperture defined in the second connecting member, the locking aperture being adapted for receiving the movable locking member when the connecting members are engaged together in the lockable position; an actuator operatively coupled to the movable locking member for actuating the movable locking member between an unlocked position enabling disengagement of the first and second connecting members and a locked position wherein the movable locking member engages the lo
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Societe en commandite Stationnement de Montreal
    Inventors: Michel DALLAIRE, Charles Ibrahim KHAIRALLAH
  • Publication number: 20090178448
    Abstract: A mechanical key code verification system including a mechanical key and a lock apparatus into which the mechanical key is insertable. The mechanical key includes a key body and a key code pattern including a plurality of recessed portions and a plurality of non-recessed portions formed on the at least one plane of the key body, the key code pattern having line symmetry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Takumi Tamezane, Toshiharu Katagiri
  • Publication number: 20090178447
    Abstract: A key system including a mechanical key and a lock apparatus into which the mechanical key is insertable. The mechanical key includes a key code pattern having recessed portions and non-recessed portions. The mechanical key is operated in key manipulation directions. The lock apparatus includes tumblers, each of which is associated with one of the recessed and non-recessed portions. The lock apparatus mechanically verifies the key code pattern when the mechanical key is inserted therein based on whether the tumblers are aligned with the associated recessed and non-recessed portions. The recessed and non-recessed portions in the key code pattern are deviated from the key manipulation directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Takumi Tamezane, Toshiharu Katagiri
  • Patent number: 7550867
    Abstract: A safety system for a locking device of a motor vehicle includes a unit control device which has at least one power switch for controlling an electromechanical unit in a blocking state, a central control device including signal links to the unit control device and further unit control devices of the motor vehicle, at least the electromechanical unit being controllable through the central control device via the signal links, and an electrical lead connection which is independent of the signal links. The unit control device is connected to the central control device through the independent electrical lead connection. A potential of a control connection of the power switch or a power connection of the unit control device is controllable by the central control device via the independent electrical lead connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Roland Kalb
  • Publication number: 20090071207
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking system, in particular a locking system for aircraft landing gears. A space-saving, simple construction and little maintenance requirement of the locking system is achieved by at least one electromechanical drive unit, whose torque is transmitted to a drive shaft with a cam disk via axle-crossing transmitting means. With the torque, the cam disk can move the locking system from the locked into the unlocked condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Jorg Meyer, Ulrich Grabherr, Daniel Maier, Walter Starzacher, Michael Huber
  • Publication number: 20090064743
    Abstract: A tree stand lock apparatus comprises a ratchet buckle part and a wire rope part. The ratchet buckle part comprises a spool with a transaxial bore, a ratcheting lever handle, a locking means and a base affixed to a hook. The wire rope part comprises a wire rope, one end of which is affixed to a hook. The lock may be employed by wrapping the wire rope around a portion of a tree stand, hooking the hook of the rope to the hook of the ratchet buckle and threading the wire rope through the transaxial bore. The ratchet buckle is operated to render the wire rope taut and the buckle is locked in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Benjamin Ray Gee
  • Publication number: 20080314098
    Abstract: A system for the security of passengers boarding a transport unit such as an aircraft or any other land or water transport unit, the boarding being carried out inside a single secure site having at least one access element equipped with control elements, enabling those concerned by the transport, namely the passengers and the administrative, technical and crew personnel to be securely identified, the secure site being equipped with one or more of the control elements, arranged at strategic locations, enabling the involved persons to be followed from the time of their access to the secure site until their boarding the transport unit, as long as the transport unit is not moving. The secure site is equipped with at least one secure opening enabling at least part of the transport unit to be introduced into the secure site including the access to the transport unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Ellen Investments Ltd
    Inventor: Franklin Devaux
  • Publication number: 20080209965
    Abstract: A security system for preventing unauthorised removal of a portable electronic device, such as a portable X-ray detector (106) or the like, from a docking station (100). The docking station (100) is provided with an electromagnetic lock (102) which is activated by means of a software command (112) issued by a screensaver function (110) running on a remote host PC (108). When triggered after some predetermined period of user inactivity, the screensaver function (110) locks the screen and keyboard of the host PC (108) to prevent unauthorised use thereof, and also issues the above-mentioned software command (112) to activate the electromagnetic lock (102) and prevent removal of the detector (106) from the docking station (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventor: Hanns-Ingo Maack
  • Publication number: 20080178641
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for locking apparatuses having a profile frame for receiving at least one apparatus. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a device for receiving one or more apparatuses, which has a profile frame, as well as a modified apparatus foot and a method for locking. The system according to the present invention is characterized in that the apparatus has apparatus feet modified for the engagement of a locking hook and the profile frame has at least one receptacle and at least one locking hook and one unlocking slider for each apparatus foot to be received, no screw connection parts used for locking the apparatus being provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Hans-Rudolf Himmen
  • Publication number: 20080110218
    Abstract: A locking shutter assembly includes a pair of shutters for attachment to a building structure. A pair of retention brackets extend between a first and a second end. One of the retention brackets are attached to a respective shutter at each end with a pair of opposing clips. Each retention bracket defines a passage and a rigidity member is slidably disposed in the passage to interconnect the retention brackets and restrain movement of the shutters with respect to the structure during inclement weather.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: The Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Clyde Allen, Nathan Greenway, Brad Kutler
  • Patent number: 7336001
    Abstract: A door lock control device prevents deterioration in anti-theft property of a vehicle by restricting unjust cancellation of a locked state of a door of the vehicle. In-vehicle operation detecting means detects a predetermined operation performed in a compartment of the vehicle. Locked state canceling means cancels the locked state of the door when the predetermined operation is detected by the in-vehicle operation detecting means. Unjust act detecting means detects an unjust act applied to the vehicle. Locked state cancellation prohibiting means prohibits cancellation of the locked state by the locked state canceling means after the unjust act is detected by the unjust act detecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Ozawa, Kouichi Masamura, Yoshihide Nakane
  • Patent number: 7070214
    Abstract: A lock mechanism has a manually actuable element, a lock lever and an actuator, with the manually actuable element connected to the lock lever via a transmission path. The transmission path includes a rigid link with an end defining an abutment for selectively driving the lock lever. A drive feature couples the abutment to the lock lever when the lock lever is rotated between locked and unlocked positions by operation of the manually actuable element. The drive feature decouples the abutment from the lock lever when the manually actuable element is actuated in an attempt to move the lock lever from a superlocked position, allowing the abutment to move relative to the lock lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Light Vehicle Systems (UK) Ltd.
    Inventors: Sidney Edward Fisher, Gurbinder Singh Kalsi, Stephen Drysdale, Robert Frank Tolley
  • Patent number: 7000956
    Abstract: A latch assembly includes a latch bolt, a retaining member and an actuator. The latch bolt is moveable between a closed position at which it is capable of retaining a striker and an open position at which the striker is released. The retaining member is moveable between a retained position at which it retains the latch bolt in at least its closed position and released position at which the latch bolt can move between its opened and closed positions. The actuator is capable of moving the retaining means from its engaged position to its released position, in which, under normal operating conditions of the latch, the actuator is the sole means of releasing the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Sidney Edward Fisher
  • Patent number: 6923479
    Abstract: A vehicle door opening/closing control apparatus includes a first operating member assembled to an inner side of a vehicle door for operating an actuator capable of opening/closing the vehicle door by manual operation, a controlling means for controlling the actuator to be in an operable or non-operable condition in response to the manual operation of the first operating member, a second operating member assembled to the inner side of the vehicle door for switching the condition of the actuator to be the operable or non-operable condition by manual operation of the second operating member, and an indicating means for indicating the controlled condition of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takaya Aiyama, Norikazu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6883840
    Abstract: A vehicle outer handle system includes a handle main body formed from a synthetic resin and having a hollow grip part, and an electrode for detecting a change in capacitance. One end of the handle main body is swingably supported in a door outer panel, and the electrode is housed within the grip part. A grounded electrostatic shield plate is disposed with the grip part outwardly of the electrode, thereby preventing an erroneous determination of a user's intention of opening the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock, Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Sueyoshi, Shigeru Kamei, Kazuo Yuhi, Suguru Asakura, Akira Kamikura, Kentaro Yoshimura, Kiyomitsu Ishikawa, Kazuhiko Sugimura
  • Patent number: 6877348
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closing device for a vehicle comprising a lock, a drive for determining the locking state of the locking device, by means of which the locking device may be placed in at least four different locking states and a rotating shaped disc on the drive, which may be rotated by the drive to determine the individual locking states, whereby the individual locking states are each assigned a particular angular position for the shaped disc. According to the invention, the shaped disc (1) is of such a form that said disc may be taken from each angular position, corresponding to one of the various states (V, K, S) and different to the unlocked state (E), without a third locking state occurring on performing the above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Rolf Buecker, Joerg Uebelein, Uwe Sommer, Andre Goertz
  • Patent number: 6662608
    Abstract: A central locking drive (10) serves for the actuation of various locking functions of a door lock, especially in motor vehicles' and has two drive members (18, 20, 22, 24), which are each adjustable between an inoperative position and an activated position. In order to be able to actuate additional locking functions' such as child safety for example, automatically, an additional drive member or expensive detection of intermediate positions of the two drive members has hitherto been necessary. In order to avoid this expense there is provided an operating element (26), which is moveable between a neutral position and at least one operating position, the attainment of a particular operating position of the operating element (26) being dependent upon the order in which the two drive members (18, 22) are activated. The operating element is displaced, for example, by interacting cam elements on the operating element (26) and the drive members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Theo Baukholt
  • Publication number: 20030132667
    Abstract: An inside door release mechanism for a vehicle comprising first and second input means arranged to be mounted in a mutually spaced relationship on a door inner face and an output to a latch wherein the mechanism is so constructed and arranged to be capable of causing the latch to be unlatched when both input means are actuated simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Robin Willats, John Emson, Sidney Fisher, Gurbinder Kalsi, Nigel Spurr, Jean Didier, Alan Dixon, Stephen Drysdale
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030016102
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for actuating an electromagnet, in particular for a safety circuit, which has an armature which is activated in accordance with the actuation of a solenoid; comprising
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Hermann Hoepken
  • Publication number: 20020022901
    Abstract: After making measurements of a key, the measurements are converted into a compact format which can be read back at a later date or at a different location by apparatus capable of accurately reproducing the original key. The data may be stored on, for example, a sticker, paper strip, or magnetic swipe card. When the duplicate key is required, the data are read from the storage medium and transmitted to a suitable key duplication device to produce a reproduction key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Applicant: Machine Magic, LLC
    Inventors: Brad Wetterlin, John S. Titus
  • Patent number: 6347486
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the opening of a door that is held in its closed position in a partition by door-blocking. The apparatus comprises a section bar support of length at least substantially equal to the height of the door, and fixed to the door or to the partition in a position such that it has a first end located at one of the top and bottom ends of the door or of the partition. The support is fitted with power supply and with data transmission comprising at least two conductors which extend substantially to said first end so as to be connected to conductors situated in the vicinity of the end of the door or the partition at which said first end is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Unitechniques
    Inventor: Jean Badillet
  • Patent number: 6089057
    Abstract: A power actuator for a vehicle door locking mechanism includes a power operable actuator lever, a manual locking lever operated by a sill button or the like, and a transmission connector selectively coupling the power operable and manual levers so that they are reciprocated by a drive from the manual lever between locked and unlocked conditions. A superlocking motor is operable to rotate the transmission connector angularly about a longitudinal axis and disengage the connector from at least one of the levers to disable the manual lever and effect superlocking for maximum security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems (UK) Lt.
    Inventor: Nigel Spurr
  • Patent number: 6043753
    Abstract: A remote-control-operated locking/unlocking system includes a key which transmits a locking/unlocking signal by remote control. A locking/unlocking unit is provided with a controller for controlling a locking/unlocking operation based on a locking/unlocking signal transmitted from the key. The controller has a suitability determining section for determining the suitability of a locking/unlocking signal transmitted from the key, and an information section for providing information indicating that the use of the key is unsuitable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshisada Okayasu, Keiji Morise, Hiroaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5808555
    Abstract: A vehicle lock system has individual door locks each having an actuator provided with a printed circuit board on which a microcontroller, motor driver of the lock actuator, and a multiplexing element are encapsulated, the printed circuit board being mounted in the housing of the respective lock and being connected by the multiplexing element to a single-line data bus for binary communication with the individual lock from the central station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Peter Bartel
  • Patent number: 5697236
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch has a pivotal fork and a latch element interfittable in a latched position and disengageable from each other in an unlatched position, a latch pawl engageable in a holding position with the fork to retain same in the latched position and disengageable in a releasing position from the fork to allow the fork to move into the unlatched position, and a pawl-actuating lever coupled to the pawl for displacing same between its holding and releasing positions. An inside actuating element and an outside lock cylinder can each displace the pawl between its positions. An actuator connected to the lever and electrically energizable from a rest position to an energized position displaces the pawl from its holding to its releasing position. A bistable relay having an input connected to a vehicular power supply and an output is displaceable between a closed position connecting its input and output together and an open position electrically disconnecting its output from its input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Frank Kleefeldt, Johannes-Theodor Menke
  • 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: 5566562
    Abstract: In a door locking system of the type having a security mechanism for locking a locking button when a lock cylinder is locked, a switch lever is installed on a lock cylinder main body for rotation therewith, and an operating force transmitting lever is rotatably installed on the lock cylinder main body and operatively connected to the locking button. The switch lever and the operating force transmitting lever are connected in such a manner as to allow, when the lock cylinder main body is rotated from a locking position to a security mechanism unlocking position, the switch lever to rotate relative to the operating force transmitting lever. When the switch lever is rotated into the security mechanism unlocking position, the security mechanism is electrically or electromagnetically actuated to unlock the locking button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Fujii
  • Patent number: 5196647
    Abstract: The invention comprises a device and method for forcibly opening a locked door. A sealed chamber is adapted to sealably receive the barrel of conventional firearm. A piston in the sealed chamber is connected to a ramming plate. A blank cartridge is placed in the firearm and detonated, pressurizing the chamber and forcing the ramming plate against the exterior of the door with great force and speed. After the piston moves a predetermined distance, the chamber is vented and a spring returns the piston and ramming plate to their original position. The procedure may be rapidly repeated as many times as may be necessary to force the door open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Inventor: J. Paul Majors
  • Patent number: 5054300
    Abstract: A vehicle door lock system including a power lock actuator for locking and unlocking a door by moving a lock lever, is further provided with a childproof and theftproof lock actuator for moving a block lever between a block position to prevent the swing motion of the lock lever, and an unblock position to allow the lock lever's swing motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Ohi Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumi Nakahara, Mikio Honma, Fumio Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5047748
    Abstract: A remote monitoring system for a multi-position loading dock facility having a vehicle restraint lock at each loading/unloading position is disclosed. The monitoring system includes a data processor, and a keyboard and monitor associated therewith, which may be coupled to lock sensing switches and other signalling devices at each loading/unloading position. The data processor, supplied with the developed signals corresponding to the condition of a truck at each loading/unloading position, is operable to continually process these signals to allow display and recording of a plurality of types of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Corporation
    Inventor: Glen Trickle
  • Patent number: 4986098
    Abstract: Rotating claw or other vehicle door latch assembly has locking mechaism including a crank element (33) rotatable about a first axis (34) between angular positions at which the latch is locked or unlocked, a push-pull linkage (38), e.g. of a door sill button, being connected to a second axis (35) of said element for manual actuation thereof, deadlocking means (31,40) being selectively operable to position the crank element with said axis substantially in line with the direction of movement of the linkage so that the latter cannot be used to effect movement of said element which would unlock the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Rockwell Automotive Body Components (UK) Ltd.
    Inventor: Sidney E. Fisher
  • Patent number: 4719775
    Abstract: A central locking system for motor vehicles is provided in which, in addition to the key-actuated central function for the locking or unlocking of door locks, an automatic central locking takes place when the vehicle engine is started and on. However, the automatic central locking of the vehicle can be overridden when the engine is running so that entry and exit are possible. After the entry or exit while the engine is running, the doors of the vehicle are again automatically centrally locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Fritz Pross, Rudi Kneib, Guenther Weikert, Klaus J. Heimbrodt