Permanent Magnet Patents (Class 70/276)
  • Patent number: 12258786
    Abstract: A method for unlocking and/or locking a privacy lockset from the exterior of the lockset or door and without the use of buttons, keys, or an object inserted into the lockset or door. The operator manipulates a magnetic object, such as a magnet or piece of ferrous metal, on the exterior of the door or lockset to cause an internal magnet attached to a rod to move the rod in and out of a collar, the far end of the rod in turn actuating the lock into a locked and/or unlocked position. Rotational, lateral, and/or thrust forces may be configured to actuate the lock. The invention may apply to rim locks, mortise locks, sliding door locks, cylinder locks, and non-keyed deadbolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Inventors: Cameron Neil Carr, Andrew Martin Vonnegut
  • Patent number: 12171335
    Abstract: An apparatus for secured concealment of a firearm allowing rapid deployment of same. A firearm is conveniently stored in a secure location while being concealed from view. The firearm may be quickly retrieved by releasing or triggering a mechanism which rapidly deploys the firearm to a position in which the grip is projected outward from the concealed location for an ambidextrous draw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Inventor: Richard Norton
  • Patent number: 12163356
    Abstract: A magnetically-triggered lock mechanism for interengaging two relatively movable components. The lock mechanism includes a bolt mounted within a first component and displaceable between retracted and extended positions to interengage with a second component when the first and second components are in a predetermined position relative to each other and the bolt is extended, and a magnetically-releasable latch mechanism positioned to latch the bolt in a retracted position, the latch mechanism including a first magnet and mounted for movement between a biased latch engaging position and a latch releasing position in a non-common direction of movement of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Interlock USA, INC.
    Inventors: Peter J. Minter, Douglas Stadler, Marc Wesley Fullenwider, Anthony J. Frabbiele
  • Patent number: 12152409
    Abstract: A lock and method for locking including an electronic cylinder assembly that may be a direct replacement for a standard cylinder in a standard mortise type door lock housing. The cylinder assembly may include a first shaft rotatably mounted in the core and a second shaft rotatably mounted in the core and coaxial with the first shaft. A clutch is disposed on the first shaft and rotationally fixed to the first shaft but axially shiftable. The cylinder assembly also includes a slider with a finger, where the finger is engaged with the clutch, and a motor is configured to shift the slider axially between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the clutch is disengaged from the second shaft, and in the second position, the clutch is engaged with the second shaft, such that rotation of the first shaft causes rotation of the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: Security People, Inc.
    Inventors: An Zhang, Asil Gokcebay
  • Patent number: 12104412
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for use in deterring theft of an audio/video device mounted to a bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Inventor: Austin M. Fries
  • Patent number: 12065858
    Abstract: One or more embodiments describe a magnetic actuator including at least two magnets. One magnet is a semi hard magnet and the other magnet is a hard magnet. The hard magnet is configured to open or close the magnetic actuator. The semi hard magnet and the hard magnet are placed adjacent to each other. A change in magnetization polarization of the semi hard magnet is configured to push or pull the hard magnet) to open or close a digital lock realised with the magnetic actuator. The magnetic actuator can also be used to realise a valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: ILOQ OY
    Inventor: Mika Pukari
  • Patent number: 12000176
    Abstract: A latching system and method are configured to selectively latch and unlatch a first component in relation to a second component. The latching system and method include an actuator, a first coupler secured to the actuator, a latch, and a second coupler secured to the latch. The first coupler is configured to couple to the second coupler to couple the actuator to the latch. The first coupler is configured to uncouple from the second coupler to uncouple the actuator from the latch in response to the latch being manually operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jamie J. Childress
  • Patent number: 11933073
    Abstract: A locking system is described. The locking system, includes a lock. The lock includes a semi-hard magnet and a hard magnet. The hard magnet is configured to move to open or close the lock, the lock is self-powered using near field communication (NFC), and the lock is digitally controlled using a mobile application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: ILOQ OY
    Inventor: Mika Pukari
  • Patent number: 11629525
    Abstract: A security system with multifactor authentication, and may comprise a lock assembly configured to secure an object and having a secured condition and an unsecured condition, a lock actuating element for actuating the lock assembly between the secured and unsecured conditions, a first authentication structure configured to permit actuation of the lock assembly by the lock actuating element when authenticated by the first authenticating structure, and a second authentication structure configured to permit actuation of the lock assembly by the lock actuating element when authenticated by the second authentication structure, so that authentication by the first authentication structure and the second authentication structure is required to actuate the lock assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Inventors: Marc Tobias, Tobias Bluzmanis
  • Patent number: 11473337
    Abstract: A system for detecting the position of at least one moveable element of a window or door, the system comprising: at least one sensor for sensing a magnetic field, the at least one sensor being configured such that the magnetic field sensed changes as said moveable element moves; and a processor configured to receive output signals associated with the sensed magnetic field and to determine the position of said moveable element; wherein the system is configured to operate in a calibration mode and a normal mode, wherein in the calibration mode the system is configured to register at least an output value from said sensor when said moveable element is at a first predetermined position as a corresponding first reference value and wherein in the normal mode the processor means is configured to use the first reference value in determining the position of the at least one moveable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventor: Giovanni Laporta
  • Patent number: 11447984
    Abstract: A system for securing a device having a case and a security feature integrated into the device. The system has a device security apparatus removably mountable on the device by the security feature on the case of the device. The device security apparatus may include a base element configured to mount on the device by releasably engaging the security feature of the device, and may further include a securing element removably mounted on the base element. The securing element may include at least one of a plurality of modules configured to interchangeably mount on the base element. The plurality of modules may include a mechanical connection module configured to physically connect the device security apparatus to an object, and a monitoring module configured to monitor movement of the device security apparatus and any device connected to the device security apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventor: Marc Tobias
  • Patent number: 11414890
    Abstract: A magnetic locking mechanism includes a first housing, a second housing, and an unlocking member. The first housing includes a guiding member including a first through hole. The second housing includes a locking member including a telescopic rod. The unlocking member is configured to adsorb the locking member. When the locking member is moved along the guiding member to a preset position, the telescopic rod protrudes into the first through hole, and the second housing is locked to the first housing. When the unlocking member adsorbs the locking member protruded into the first through hole, the telescopic rod retracts from the first through hole, and the second housing is unlocked from the first housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Fulian Precision Electronics (Tianjin) Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Tung-Ho Shih, Yao-Chih Liu
  • Patent number: 11419228
    Abstract: Locking mechanisms and separable, repairable (e.g., electronic) devices having locking mechanisms are described herein. In one example, a locking mechanism includes a chassis having a base, a first side wall extending from a surface of the base, and a second side wall extending from the surface of the base. A cavity is provided in a volume formed by the first side wall, the second side wall, and the surface of the base, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a mating component of the device. The locking mechanism also includes a cantilevered plate having a first end and a second, opposite end, wherein the cantilevered plate is attached to the first side wall of the chassis at or adjacent to the first end, and wherein the second end of the cantilevered plate is positioned with the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Aseem Singla
  • Patent number: 11401732
    Abstract: A locking module for selectively coupling a first component and a second component of a lockable device includes a housing and a magnet arranged within said housing. A locking element is movable relative to said housing between an unlocked position and a locked position. An engagement member is operable to selectively decouple said locking element from said magnet to move said locking element between said unlocked position and said locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph Zacchio, Nicholas Charles Soldner, Lawrence Binek
  • Patent number: 11391067
    Abstract: This invention relates to a padlock assembly 1 including a body 2 with a hand engageable portion 4 that is external to the body 2 forming part of an actuator mechanism 5. The actuator mechanism 5 is electrically controllable to adjust between an operable condition and an inoperable condition to adjust a condition of a lock mechanism 31.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Brendan George, Lydia Wong
  • Patent number: 11365572
    Abstract: A door-operating assembly has first and second subassemblies each having a housing, a magnet, a sleeve carrying the sleeve and rotatable in the respective housing about an axis, an actuator for rotating the first sleeve about the respective axis, and a rotation limiter restricting rotation of the respective sleeve and magnet. The magnets in a first position repel and push the respective sleeves axially away from each other such that the first rotation limiter is effective in a first direction on the first sleeve and the second rotation limiter is effective in a second rotation direction on the second sleeve. Conversely, the magnets in a second position attract and pull the sleeves axially toward each other such that the first rotation limiter is effective against the first rotation direction on the first sleeve and the second rotation limiter is effective against the second rotation direction on the second sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: SIMONSWERK GMBH
    Inventors: Joerg Ellefred, Felix Kaupmann
  • Patent number: 11346128
    Abstract: A door-operating assembly has an operating device having a device housing and a device magnet and rotatable in the housing about a first axis between a first functional position and a second functional position, and a status indicator that is coupled with the operating device and has an indicator housing and an indicator magnet movable in the indicator housing along the first axis between a first display position and a second display position. The magnets are so oriented that rotation of the device magnet about the first axis from the respective first functional position into the respective second functional position displaces the indicator magnet axially of the first axis from the first display position into the second display position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: SIMONSWERK GMBH
    Inventors: Joerg Ellefred, Felix Kaupmann
  • Patent number: 11340033
    Abstract: A magnetically actuated authentication and unlocking system is provided that is particularly suited for integration into a firearm, but that can also be incorporated into any device that requires an operator to hold a grip, handle or stick controller. The system includes a locking mechanism that is installed in a device and an unlocking mechanism that is preferably incorporated into wearable gear, such as a glove. The system utilizes magnets in the locking mechanism and unlocking mechanism, such that when a user wearing an unlock mechanism encoded with the correct magnetic “key” holds the device with the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism unlocks the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Pahmet LLC
    Inventors: Peter Hofleitner, Martin Tross
  • Patent number: 11293199
    Abstract: A touchless detent door lock is disclosed. In embodiments, the door lock includes a strike and a lock housing that defines a longitudinal cavity, where the strike can be linearly actuated within the longitudinal cavity from an unlocked position to a locked position, and vice versa. The door lock further includes at least one selector magnet coupled to or at least partially embedded within the strike and a plurality of position magnets coupled to or at least partially embedded within the lock housing. The position magnets include at least a first magnet corresponding to the unlocked position, a second magnet corresponding to the locked position, and a third magnet in between the first magnet and the second magnet. The first and second magnets are configured to attract the selector magnet, while the third magnet is configured to repel the selector magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Jakob J. Vetter, Logan Butler
  • Patent number: 11131114
    Abstract: The method can include: introducing a neck portion of the handle in a receiving aperture of the frame and thereby positioning a second engagement member of the neck into a tangential engagement with a first engagement member of a rotary holder, and positioning a transversal groove defined in the neck portion in axial alignment with a clip axially trapped in a cam cavity of the frame, the clip further being tangentially trapped by the rotary holder but free to slide in a radial orientation relative to the rotary holder; and rotating the rotary holder around the rotation axis, via rotation of the handle, along a camming angle, the rotary holder thereby pivoting a clip around the rotation axis, inside a cam cavity, the cam cavity pushing the clip radially inwards during said pivoting, until it is engaged in the transversal groove, preventing axial retraction of the neck portion thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: DORMAKABA CANADA INC.
    Inventor: Patrice Magnan
  • Patent number: 10856429
    Abstract: A slam latch for mounting and unmounting a server in a rack holding a computing system is disclosed. The slam latch includes a permanent magnet. The slam latch further includes at least one magnetically attractive plate separated by a first distance from the permanent magnet, wherein the permanent magnet has a first force of attraction to the at least one plate. The permanent magnet has a second force of attraction to the at least one plate lower than the first force of attraction when the at least one plate is forceably separated from the permanent magnet by a second distance that is greater than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Elias Rosedahl, Marvin M. Misgen, Jessica R. Eidem, Phillip Mann
  • Patent number: 10627178
    Abstract: A magnetically actuated authentication and unlocking system is provided that is particularly suited for integration into a firearm, but that can also be incorporated into any device that requires an operator to hold a grip, handle or stick controller. The system includes a locking mechanism that is installed in a device and an unlocking mechanism that is preferably incorporated into wearable gear, such as a glove. The system utilizes magnets in the locking mechanism and unlocking mechanism, such that when a user wearing an unlock mechanism encoded with the correct magnetic “key” holds the device with the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism unlocks the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Pahmet LLC
    Inventors: Peter Hofleitner, Martin Tross
  • Patent number: 10563426
    Abstract: Blocking devices to stop movement of mechanical or magnetic coded rotors, pins or discs immediately when the plug is turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Inventor: Andre John Vornbrock
  • Patent number: 10550603
    Abstract: A locking device includes a mobile locking member, movement of which can be prevented by a blocking member interacting with a motorized lever, where the motorized lever is capable of rotational movement about an axis with respect to the supporting structure, the centre of gravity of the lever lying on the axis, the lever being kept in a determined stable position and without rigid mechanical contact of the lever with the supporting structure apart from its axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: COGELEC
    Inventors: Jean-Daniel Alzingre, Guillaume Keltz
  • Patent number: 10487544
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an electronic deadbolt control system including a deadbolt configured to extend or retract between a locked position and an unlocked position, respectively. An output shaft connected between a final gear and the deadbolt is configured to transmit an actuation force to the deadbolt from an electric motor. A first magnet and a second magnet are associated with the final gear to define a home position for either a left hand deadbolt or a right hand deadbolt. A cam is positioned on the output shaft to engage with a switch such that, in combination with a threshold current motor output, the control system determines whether the deadbolt is in an extended position or a retracted position. A thumb-turn shaft is disengaged from the final gear in the home position to permit manual actuation of a thumb-turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: William B. Ainley, David M. Baty, David Newby, Justin D. Seacat
  • Patent number: 10364592
    Abstract: A locking assembly including first and second hubs rotatably mounted in a case, a latch assembly which retracts in response to rotation of either of the hubs, and a locking member which selectively prevents rotation of at least one of the hubs. A sensor assembly is associated with at least one of the hubs, and is configured to transmit a signal in response to rotation of the at least one hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Sundar Raj Dore Vasudevan, Dilip Bangaru, Adam Michael Litwinski, Allen Madrid
  • Patent number: 10337207
    Abstract: A lock system may comprise a lock assembly including a locking element movable between locking and unlocking positions, and a first lock actuating assembly configured to be mechanically operated to actuate the locking element to move between the locking and unlocking positions, with mechanical operation of the first lock actuation assembly occurring through a physical object. The system may also comprise a second lock actuating assembly configured to be electrically operated to actuate the locking element to move between the retracted and extended positions, with electrical operation of the second lock actuating assembly occurring through reception of a wireless signal by the second lock actuating assembly. The lock and lock actuating assemblies may have at least one mode of operation characterized by the lock assembly being actuated only by substantially simultaneous operation of the first lock actuating assembly and operation of the second lock actuating assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventors: Marc W. Tobias, Tobias Bluzmanis
  • Patent number: 10287803
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closing system having a key (1.1) coded in a quantum-physical manner, which withstands very high mechanical forces, wear, or temperatures. The key consists, for example, of a solid stainless-steel bar having, for example, a diameter of 8 mm and, for example, a length of 120 mm. The coding of the key (1.1) is based on a quantum-physical solid body cryptography. The matter of the solid main body is partially changed in such a way that this change can be read out by means of read-out methods suitable therefor. The coding occurs into the depth of the main body such that external influences such as damage to the surface do not impair the function of the key. The quantum key processed in such a way has no visible or perceptible features of the coding. More than 500 billion different codings are accommodated on a length of approximately 50 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Gerd Reime
  • Patent number: 10280649
    Abstract: A magnetic unlocking device and a magnetic unlocking structure of a magnetic encoding key. The magnetic unlocking structure includes a lock core device and a magnetic unlocking device. The lock core device includes a lock core casing, a lock knob which is provided in the internal cavity of the lock core casing, a lock care front end cover and a lock core rear end cover that are located at both ends of the lock core casing. The internal wall of the lock core casing is provided with a monad longitudinal moving groove and a monad horizontal rotating groove. The lock knob is provided with an unlocking hole. The external wall of the lock knob is provided with a monad longitudinal slide-way. The monad longitudinal slide-way and the monad longitudinal moving groove correspond to each other and form a monad moving cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: ZHUHAI PERFECTION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Xin Li
  • Patent number: 10253528
    Abstract: The invention provides a digital lock (100) including at least two magnets. One magnet is a semi hard magnet (310) and the other magnet is a hard magnet (320). The hard magnet (320) is configured to open or close the digital lock (100). The semi hard magnet (310) and the hard magnet (320) are placed adjacent to each other. A change in magnetization polarization of the semi hard magnet (310) is configured to push or pull the hard magnet (320) to open or close the digital lock (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Axtuator OY
    Inventor: Mika Pukari
  • Patent number: 10173292
    Abstract: A magnetic attachment system for attaching a first object to a second object. A first magnet structure is attached to the first object and a second magnet structure is attached to the second object. The first and second objects are attached by virtue of the magnetic attraction between the first magnet structure and second magnet structure. The magnet structures comprise magnetic elements arranged in accordance with patterns based on various codes. In one embodiment, the code has certain autocorrelation properties. In further embodiments the specific type of code is specified. In a further embodiment, an attachment and a release configuration may be achieved by a simple movement of the magnet structures. In a further embodiment, the magnetic field structure may comprise multiple structures based on multiple codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Correlated Magnetics Research, LLC
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, Mark D. Roberts
  • Patent number: 10167655
    Abstract: A lock system and method for alerting a user or other entity that a lock has been or is being tampered with is disclosed. The lock includes at least one enhanced security pin that is electrically isolated from the rest of the lock. When the lock picker attempts to pick the lock a portion of the enhanced security pin contacts either the plug or the outer casing of the lock to complete a circuit with an alert component. The completion of the circuit causes the alert component to generate an alert signal that can be observed by the user or other entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad M. Albertson, Eric J. Campbell, Nicholas J. Ollerich, Christopher W. Steffen
  • Patent number: 10107007
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic locking device. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a structure capable of supporting and fixing a key head of an electronic key is formed at a lock head of a cylinder plug such that it may prevent the electronic key not only from being easily escaped from the cylinder plug but also from being lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventor: Bum Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 10047540
    Abstract: A locking device and system are disclosed. The locking device includes a barrel within which sets a plug. A plurality of pins sit in pin pathways that extend partially through the barrel and plug and the pins prevent rotation of the barrel within the plug when the ends of the pins are not aligned with a shear line. One of the pins has a recess formed therein within which a locking ball can sit. The engagement or otherwise of the locking ball in the recess is controlled by a linear actuator. When the linear actuator allows the locking ball to disengage the recess the pin with the recess in can engage the key and a line the end of the pin with the shear line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: HENRY SQUIRE & SONS LTD
    Inventors: John Charnley, Clinton Sheppard, Glyn Green
  • Patent number: 10030416
    Abstract: A lock system and method for alerting a user or other entity that a lock has been or is being tampered with is disclosed. The lock includes at least one enhanced security pin that is electrically isolated from the rest of the lock. When the lock picker attempts to pick the lock a portion of the enhanced security pin contacts either the plug or the outer casing of the lock to complete a circuit with an alert component. The completion of the circuit causes the alert component to generate an alert signal that can be observed by the user or other entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad M. Albertson, Eric J. Campbell, Nicholas J. Ollerich, Christopher W. Steffen
  • Patent number: 9934917
    Abstract: A lockable rocker switch includes a fixed part, a rotatable part rotating between a first and a second rotation position, a magnetically actuatable locking component movable between a locking position so as to prevent rotation of rotatable part and a release position, so that rotatable part may rotate. The lockable rocker switch further includes a control component movable onto the rotatable part between a control position, for causing a magnetic action urging the locking component towards the release position, and a rest position, stopping the magnetic action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Olivier Negri, Remi Barrellon
  • Patent number: 9920551
    Abstract: An electromechanical cylinder lock includes an outer lock shell and a rotatable lock barrel located therein which is controlled by dual locking features. A side bar or fence selectively blocks and permits rotation of the barrel with respect to the shell in response to insertion of a key into a keyway in the barrel. A slider bar is movable between a blocking position in which the side bar is prevented from permitting rotation of the barrel, and an unblocking position in which the side bar permits rotation of the barrel. Alternately, a blocking mechanism is provided to block motion of tumbler pins in the cylinder lock. A shape memory alloy actuator, such as a wire made of nitinol, disposed in the barrel is activated by an electric current in response to determination by an electronic control device whether an attempt to open the lock is authorized. Thermal interlock protection from external heating of the lock is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY HIGH SECURITY GROUP INC.
    Inventor: Peter Field
  • Patent number: 9915085
    Abstract: Systems and methods that may be implemented to secure a bezel over a face of an information handling system chassis by using magnetic force to draw in and retain a ferromagnetic bezel latch pin in a latching position relative to complementary latch structure of the chassis. The disclosed systems and methods may be implemented in a manner that minimizes functional intrusions on the front (or other side) of a chassis enclosure to which a bezel is secured, that reduces the number and/or complexity of mechanical features that are conventionally employed, and/or that presents both an intuitive and pleasant user experience for the end user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Bernard Strmiska, Richard A. Crisp, Peter Kaltenbach, Brad Collins, Kristy Baldwin
  • Patent number: 9790712
    Abstract: A magnetic coding free pin type lock cylinder structure includes: a lock cylinder housing (101), a lock knob (104) disposed within the lock cylinder housing (101), a lock cylinder front end cover (102) and a lock cylinder rear end cover (103). Pin vertically moving grooves (114) and pin horizontally rotary grooves (113) are provided on an inner wall of the lock cylinder housing (101). An unlocking hole (116) for a magnetic coding key (115) is provided on the lock knob (104). A plurality of pin vertical sliding grooves (112) is provided on an outer wall of the lock knob (104). Free pins are provided in at least one of the plurality of pin vertical sliding grooves (112), and the free pins are big pins (107) or small pins (108).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventor: Xin Li
  • Patent number: 9668371
    Abstract: Systems and methods that may be implemented to secure a bezel over a face of an information handling system chassis by using magnetic force to draw in and retain a ferromagnetic bezel latch pin in a latching position relative to complementary latch structure of the chassis. The disclosed systems and methods may be implemented in a manner that minimizes functional intrusions on the front (or other side) of a chassis enclosure to which a bezel is secured, that reduces the number and/or complexity of mechanical features that are conventionally employed, and/or that presents both an intuitive and pleasant user experience for the end user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Bernard Strmiska, Richard A. Crisp, Peter Kaltenbach, Brad Collins, Kristy Baldwin
  • Patent number: 9659240
    Abstract: A card reader may include a card insertion port; a card conveying passage; and a card lock mechanism. The card lock mechanism may include a motor; a lock member comprising a prevention pawl; and a power transmission mechanism structured to transmit power of the motor to the lock member. The power transmission mechanism may include a worm gear having a screw gear and a helical gear engaged with the screw gear. The screw gear may be disposed on a motor side relative to the helical gear in a transmitting direction of power from the motor to the lock member. The lock member may further include a teeth part in a fan shape. The teeth part may be driven through engagement of gears including the worm gear to move the prevention pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinya Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 9631920
    Abstract: A door lock detection system is disclosed. The system includes a magnet flexibly attached to a strike plate. The strike plate includes an opening. The magnet extends across the opening of the strike plate in a first orientation when a bolt does not extend into the opening of the strike plate. The magnet is configured to be deflected from the first orientation to a second orientation, distinct from the first orientation, in response to the bolt being extended into the opening of the strike plate. The system includes a magnetometer configured to detect one or more magnetic fields of the magnet that is flexibly attached to the strike plate in the first orientation and in the second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventor: Andrew W. Goldenson
  • Patent number: 9577487
    Abstract: An electronic cylinder includes a knob; a cylinder core connected with the knob; a motor having a protrusion block; a clutch unit; a coupler including a chamber receiving the clutch unit and a front portion having a front end face with an opening constituted by an injection channel indented inwardly from the end face and extending from a first point of a periphery confining the end face, an recess indented inwardly from a bottom surface of the injection channel and an outflow channel indented inwardly from the end face and extending from a second point of the periphery, the bottom of the recess being formed with a hole permitting extension of an axle for engaging the clutch unit, a preventing block in a depth of the opening such that after assembly, the end face abuts against the motor; and a waterproof filler hermetically filling the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: WFE TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventor: Jack Lien
  • Patent number: 9501921
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device that will alert users that they are using (or wasting) more than a certain amount of water. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable device clip that may be connected to any type of water pipe, will measure and time the flow of water, and will alert users via an audible alarm if and when water flows for more than a user-specified period of time. The invention may be used by both consumers and landlords to educate users in the prevention of undue water consumption, and to save thousands of gallons of water per year.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Moein Azizgolshani
  • Patent number: 9428939
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a Locking/unlocking system of superimposable elements, comprising a first element (2) or upper element, and a second element (3), or lower element, to be locked and unlocked, superimposed each other along a plane (4) of relative motion, and a operating device (1), said system being characterized in that said first element (2) and said second element (3) provide each one the same number of a plurality of housings (210, 310), and reciprocally positioned so as to form pairs of housings (210, 310), each one providing inside centering means (220, 320), said system being further characterized in that it provides a plurality of first magnetic elements (230?) having a first length, a plurality of second magnetic elements (230?) having a second length, lower than the length of said plurality of first magnetic elements (230?), and a plurality of third magnetic elements (230?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventors: Fabio Fontana, Massimo Fontana
  • Patent number: 9371668
    Abstract: A magnetic key comprising: a body; a segmented magnet housed within the body; and a ferrous element housed above the segmented magnet. A protective cap for a magnetic key comprising a body; and a ferrous element housed within the body. A locking system comprises a magnetic key and protective cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: PINEL MEDICAL INC.
    Inventor: Ludwig Piron
  • Patent number: 9305410
    Abstract: A key fob assembly includes a mechanical key, a key fob, a control in the key fob, Hall effect switches in the key fob, and magnets associated with the mechanical key. The mechanical key is configured to cooperate with a mechanical lock. The key fob is configured to selectively connect with the mechanical key. The control in the key fob is for transmitting wireless signals to a vehicle to actuate components on the vehicle. The Hall effect switches in the key fob are each in electrical communication with the control. At least one of the Hall effect switches changes an operating state based on detecting a positive magnetic field and at least one other Hall effect switch changes an operating state based on detecting a negative magnetic field. Respective poles of the magnets are disposed such that connection of the mechanical key with the key fob in a storage position aligns the poles of the magnets with respective Hall effect switches for changing the operating state of the respective Hall effect switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian K. Lickfelt, Hideaki Arai, Thomas G. Kracker
  • Patent number: 9273494
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastening or unfastening system (1, 10) including: an actuating device (2, 20), which has a plurality of actuating elements (22, 220) made of magnetic, magneto-sensitive or magnetically inert material; and a device to unlock or lock (3, 30, 3?), which includes a first element (4, 40, 4?), a second element (5, 50, 5?) and a first plane (7, 70), between said first element (4, 40, 4?) and said second element (5, 50), and a second plane (8, 80=between the second element (5, 50, 5?) and the third element (6, 60, 6?). Said first element (40, 4, 4?) and said second element (5, 5? 50) present a plurality of housing couples (41, 51, 410, 510) corresponding to said plurality of actuating elements (22, 220) of said actuating device (2, 20), provided with centering means (9, 90) said centering means (9, 90) being made of magnetic, magneto-sensitive or magnetically inert material, able to lock or unlock the movement in respect to said first plane (7, 70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventors: Fabio Fontana, Massimo Fontana
  • Patent number: 9062695
    Abstract: A connection mechanism between two components may use one or more metallic pins that are magnetically extended when the components are engaged, and a sloped groove that retracts and unlocks the pins when the components are rotated. The components are locked in place by the pins during engagement. Disengagement may be performed by rotating the two components with respect to each other. The connection mechanism may include one or more magnets mounted on either or both components. The magnets may be arranged to attract the components when the components are in the locking orientation and to repel the components when the components are rotated to an unlocked position. The connection mechanism may include electrical connections between the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin W. Witter, John P. Fitzgerald, Jonathan Shea Robinson, Adam D. Center, Larry Holmes
  • Patent number: 9021841
    Abstract: A vessel locking system which provides a locking cap which secures in locked engagement with a vessel releasable by mated engagement of a cap key with the locking cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Abuse Tech, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher J. Kottenstette