Abstract: A keypad lockset adapted for deadbolt as well as lever locks, and having as a first embodiment an exterior gear train, an interior gear train, and an electronically controlled clutch for coupling the gear trains when engaged and for uncoupling the gear trains when the clutch is disengaged, so that when the clutch is engaged rotation of an external thumb turn will permit the door latch to be withdrawn and thus to permit opening of the door, and a mechanical override mechanism that can be operated in case of electrical failure, and in which clutch mechanism and the override mechanism both operate through the single, standard 2 and ? inch door preparation hole, or alternatively as a second embodiment, a keypad lockset in which two four-bar mechanical linkages are used in place of gears as means to actuate the clutch, and alternatively to provide for a pass-through override function.

Abstract: An electromechanical locking mechanism provides a plug with a rekeyable primary lock mechanism such as a tumbler stack, an electromechanical operator such as a solenoid or a motor, and an electronic circuit having a memory, or an electronic memory and an electronic logic stage, controlling activitiation and operation of the electromechanical operator, contained entirely within the plug. Insertion of a blade of a key that is properly profiled and bitted to correctly displace the primary lock assembly relative to a cylinder encasing the plug, and application by the key of electrical power, or of electrical power and a correct data signal, to the electronic circuit, will cause activation of the electrical operator and repositioning of a distal member of the operator relative to the cylinder, and thereby enable torque manually applied to the blade of the key to rotate the plug within the cylinder.

Abstract: An electromechanical locking mechanism provides a plug with a rekeyable primary lock mechanism such as a tumbler stack, an electromechanical operator such as a solenoid or a motor, and an electronic circuit having a memory, or an electronic memory and an electronic logic stage, controlling activitiation and operation of the electromechanical operator, contained entirely within the plug. Insertion of a blade of a key that is properly profiled and bitted to correctly displace the primary lock assembly relative to a cylinder encasing the plug, and application by the key of electrical power, or of electrical power and a correct data signal, to the electronic circuit, will cause activation of the electrical operator and repositioning of a distal member of the operator relative to the cylinder, and thereby enable torque manually applied to the blade of the key to rotate the plug within the cylinder.

Abstract: An electrical door-locking device includes screws which are rotatable in a forwards and backwards direction, and are placed in line on one side of a door frame in the direction in which the electrical door main body slides; locking hooks located adjacent to the screws; and a sliding unit equipped with a rotatably-provided locking lever having a latch for latching onto the locking hooks when the electrical door main body is closed and is equipped with a locking-lever-pressing part for pressing the locking lever such that the latch of the locking lever unlatches from the locking hooks, and one end of which is rotatably linked to the screws and the other end of which is linked to the electrical door main body.

Abstract: An electric lock includes an outer door housing, nexus, inner door housing, and a latch bolt. The outer lock housing is arranged to an outer side of a door. The nexus is connected to the outer door housing. The inner door housing is connected to the nexus and arranged to an inner side of the door. The latch bolt is connected to a latch bolt retaining unit of the nexus. An actuator of the nexus will extend a guiding block and a protruded block to engage the outer handle to the nexus for opening the door while user inputting a correct password to the electric lock. The door can be opened by a proper key also. The nexus will be isolated from the outer handle to prevent damage to the nexus while a user does not have a right key and password to the electric lock.

Abstract: A self-powered electronic lock is provided having a housing, a lock element mounted in the housing for movement relative to the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position, a code input device operating with a first set of electronics, and an electric actuator operating with a second set of electronics. The electric actuator is operatively coupled with the lock element to allow movement of the lock element from the locked position to the unlocked position. A first electric power generator is operative by a user to supply electrical power for operating the code input device and the first set of electronics. A second electric power generator is operative to supply electrical power for operating the electric actuator and the second set of electronics. The first and the second set of electronics are electrically isolated and are synchronized to generate a common number for a combination code.

Abstract: The invention provides an electronic door lock for a door having a first side and a second side. The electronic door lock includes a locking mechanism, a credential reader, and a programmable control circuit. The locking mechanism is coupled to the door and is movable between a locked position in which the door is inhibited from opening and an unlocked position in which the door is free to open. The credential reader is coupled to the door and is operable to read a credential. The programmable control circuit is coupled to the door and is operable to move the locking mechanism between the locked position and the unlocked position at least partially in response to the read credential. The programmable control circuit is selectively programmed to move the locking mechanism to a pre-selected either one of the locked position and the unlocked position in response to a failure signal.

Abstract: A locking assembly for an electronic device includes a first lock-member and a second lock-member. The first lock-member includes a rotatable locking head. The locking head includes a lock lever, a locking block and an adjusting portion. The locking block and the adjusting portion are fixed at two opposite ends of the lock lever. The second lock-member is fixed to the electronic device and includes a lock core and a guiding block extending from the lock core. The lock core defines a locking groove. The guiding block is rotated together with the lock core between a first position where a longitudinal direction of the locking groove crosses that of the locking block and a second position where the longitudinal direction of the locking groove is approximately parallel to that of the locking block.

Abstract: An electromechanical locking system (8) comprises a lock (12) and a key (14). The lock includes a cylinder (16), an electronic control unit (18) which is housed within the cylinder, a tailpiece (20), and an electrically-operable clutch mechanism (22) which is housed within the cylinder (16). The cylinder (16) is rotatably mounted to a first component to be locked and the tailpiece includes an adapter (24) which is operable to interfere with the movement of a second component to be locked to the first component. The control unit (18) draws power from the key and is operable to generate an actuation signal for actuating the clutch mechanism (22) which releasably connects the cylinder and the tailpiece when actuated, thereby causing them to become rotatably coupled.

Abstract: A lock mechanism for locking at least one door of a container in a closed position includes first and second members slidably coupled to each other to move relative to each other, a latching mechanism configured to prevent the two members from moving relative to each other in at least one direction when the latching mechanism is in a locked state, and first and second lock members, each of the lock members including a first end and a second end. The first ends of the first and second lock members protrude through the body. The second end of the first lock member is coupled to the first member of the locking mechanism and the second end of the second lock member being coupled to the second member of the locking mechanism. The first ends of the first and second lock members are configured to engage portions of the container to lock the at least one container door in a closed position.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices that efficiently control the operating state of an electromagnetic lock under power on and power off conditions are presented. A lock component includes a solenoid component (e.g., bi-stable latching solenoid) that holds a lock pin in a locked or unlocked position without using power to hold the lock pin in the desired position, and using power to transition from one position to another position. A sensor component senses when power to the lock component will be lost, and if the lock pin is not in the desired position for the power off condition, the lock pin can be transitioned to the desired position, and if the lock pin is in the desired position for power off condition, the lock component can maintain the lock pin in the desired position, while the lock component is in the power off condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for a checkpoint, comprising a controlled access passage, the exit of which is closed by an exit door (gate). Said exit door (5) opens in response to a signal of a least one biometric unit (8) which is arranged in the controlled access space (3) and by which the biometric features of a person desiring passage can be detected, and said biometric unit (8) is arranged frontally opposite of the entrance to the controlled access space (3) and preferably integrated in the exit door (5) of the controlled access space (3). A person entering the controlled access space (3) is therefore immediately located quasi automatically in the correct position for detection by the biometric unit (8), which is to say, frontally opposite of the biometric unit.

Abstract: An electronic device for a mechanical blocking and power mechanisms on its basis, intended for use in electronic locks, hydraulic/pneumatic automation, electronically controlled valve(tap), electronically controlled power electrical switches and commutators, electro-mechanical clutches and couplings, etc. The devices based on invention are compact, have a simple design and are rather reliable in conditions of shocks and vibrations. Low electric power consumption and corresponding long battery life have been obtained at the prototypes of these devices. It will be effectively used in the systems of autonomous access control.

Abstract: A cylindrical lock includes inner and outer chassis, inner and outer spindles, and first and second actuating members. One of the first and second actuating members is selectively and rotatably received in the outer spindle. Each of the first and second actuating members includes a limiting groove having first and second groove sections with different arcs in a circumferential direction about a longitudinal axis. A driving member is rotatably received in one of the first and second actuating members. The driving member has a leg movable in the outer spindle between first and second positions along the longitudinal axis and received in one of the first and second groove sections. A driving device is received in the inner spindle. The cylindrical lock has two modes corresponding to selective use of the first and second actuating members to provide locking/unlocking states through supply or not supply of electricity to the driving device.

Abstract: A housing assembly adapted to fit into a mortised recess in a door is provided for accommodating components of an electronic lock mechanism. The housing assembly comprises a housing including opposed major side walls at least partially defining an opening into the housing. A circuit board comprising electronic circuitry for operating the lock mechanism is disposed in the housing. A bracket for holding batteries is adapted to be disposed in the opening in the housing. The bracket is accessible when the housing is in the mortised recess of the door such that the bracket is movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. In the first position the bracket is in the housing and in the second position the bracket is at least partially outside of the housing such that batteries may be inserted into or removed from the bracket.

Abstract: An electronic lock includes a rotatable core movable within an outer body. The rotatable core includes a piezo-electric actuator configured to move a tumbler blocking member into or out of interfering engagement with one or more tumblers. Tamper circuitry coupled with the piezo-electric actuator is configured to resist an externally induced acceleration of the electronic lock by shunting electrical power produced by an externally induced motion of the piezo-electric actuator back to the piezo-electric actuator.

Abstract: An embodiment of an electronic access control system includes an electronic key, an electronic lock, and an access control administration program. The electronic key can include program code for switching between a lock mode and a computer mode. In some embodiments, the lock mode and computer mode allow for simplified administration and operation of the access control system. Some embodiments of the electronic key include a rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the access control system includes a hybrid power supply system having a rechargeable battery and a generator. In some embodiments, the electronic lock includes a piezoelectric latch. In some embodiments, the electronic key is configured to act as a storage device for a computer system. Some embodiments provide an electronic access control system with a streamlined user interface.

Abstract: A lock device includes a tongue slidably engaged with a housing and extendible out of the housing, an anchoring device slidably disposed in the housing and having two anchoring members for selectively aligning with the tongue and having a compartment formed between the anchoring members, and a moving device for moving the anchoring device relative to the housing to selectively align either of the anchoring members with the tongue and for preventing the tongue from being engaged into the compartment of the anchoring device. The moving device includes an electromagnetic mechanism coupled to the anchoring device for moving the anchoring device relative to the housing.

Abstract: A lock cylinder with a lock cylinder housing is provided. A knob shaft, rotatable by way of a knob, is mounted to rotate on one side or both sides of the lock cylinder. An authorization signal causes at least one electromechanically operating coupling device to connect a lock element to rotate in unison with the knob shaft and in order to operate a lock. The authorization signal is generated by evaluation electronics based on an input or input signal. It is proposed that at least one reading unit with an input unit to record the input and/or a receiving unit to receive the input signal is present, that the reading unit with the input unit and/or receiving unit is arranged in at least one knob and are spatially separated from the evaluation electronics, that the knob is connected electrically and mechanically releasable to the knob shaft, and that the reading unit generates, from the input or input signal, an access signal that can be evaluated by the evaluation electronics.

Abstract: An access control device (10) has an electronic/electric control unit (19) fed with electrical current via an electrically conductive fastener (28), such as the ones that also function to clamp the outdoor and indoor housings (15, 17) of the device (10) together against the opposed sides of a door (12) or the like.

Abstract: A transmission device for a door lock has a solenoid switch, a driven device and a linkage assembly. The solenoid switch has a solenoid core, a guide tube, a sleeve and a clutch cap. The guide tube is mounted in the solenoid core and has a connecting end. The connecting end is formed on one end of the guide tube and protrudes out of the solenoid core. The sleeve is mounted slidably in the solenoid core and around the guide tube and has at least one engaging tab formed on and protruding from the sleeve at one end adjacent to the connecting end of the guide tube. The clutch cap is mounted around the connecting end of the guide tube and has at least one engaging notch selectively and detachably engaging respectively with a corresponding engaging tab on the sleeve.

Abstract: A vehicle door having an electronic unlatch system and a method of operation. The door includes an electronic key cylinder mounted to the door and includes a slot that receives a key; a switch engaging the key cylinder to detect when a key has been turned in the cylinder; and a door latch mounted to the door to selectively unlatch the door, with the door latch receiving a signal from the switch to unlatch the door. The door also includes a backup power supply mounted in the door and supplying electrical power to the door latch and switch, with the backup power supply receiving power from a vehicle electrical system to recharge the backup power supply.

Abstract: Provided is a door lock apparatus which is adopted in an electronic product to lock or release a door of the door lock apparatus. The door lock apparatus includes a rocker, a rocker supporting member, a door lock main body and a locking unit. The rocker rotates when the hook of the door enters or withdraws from the door lock apparatus, to be coupled with or separated away from the hook. A rocker hinge rod and a position fixing rode positioned in parallel to the rocker hinge rod are integrated into the rocker. The rocker supporting member is hinge-coupled with the rocker hinge rod to rotatably support the rocker, reciprocatingly moves in a direction in which the hook enters or withdraws when the rocker is rotated, and receives an elastic force from a first elastic member in the direction in which the hook enters.

Abstract: Electrified access-control technology devices for a door, particularly electrified locks for a door, having embedded circuitry therein, and methods of making the same. One or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) having various electronic circuitry are secured inside a housing that encases an access-control device, particularly a lock, for a door. The one or more PCB(s) may be embedded on an internal surface of the housing such that the embedded PCB resides inside the housing along with the lock itself. The embedded PCB(s) avoid interference of both any working components of the lock inside the housing and any openings residing in the housing.

Abstract: A method for automatically determining the direction installation of an electronic lock is disclosed. The method achieves automatic determination of the electronic lock installed on the left-handed or right-handed door by controlling rotational directions of the rotational actuator and determining the touching sequence of switch units, so as to enable the electronic lock to be adapted to both the left-handed door and right-handed door, thereby significantly broadening the application scope and convenience of the electronic lock.

Abstract: It comprises a carriage (4) displaceable forwards and backwards by means of a spindle (3) actuated by a motor (2), the carriage (4) containing clutch pins (12) so that in the forward displacement the engagement takes place with a clutch disc (22) integral with which is an eccentric, whose rotation will cause the actuation of the lock in which the unit is fitted. In its displacements the carriage (4) is guided in rods (8) provided in the corresponding cover (5) of a rotor (1) in which the motor (2) and carriage (4) assembly is housed. The clutch pins (12) are connected to pushing springs (13) for pushing them towards the emergency position and therefore that of engagement when those pins (12) are facing the holes (23) of the disc (22).

Abstract: A manhole security cover includes a manhole cover body comprising a non-metallic RF signal transmissive material. The manhole cover body is seatable on a manhole frame to cover a manhole opening. In the seated position, the first side is accessible from outside the manhole, the second side is disposed within the manhole, and the peripheral edge portion engages a manhole cover support surface on the manhole frame. A manhole cover tamper sensor is responsive to a predetermined movement of the manhole security cover body. A transmitter is operatively connected to the manhole cover tamper sensor and configured to generate a radio frequency manhole cover tamper signal when the manhole cover tamper sensor detects the predetermined movement of the manhole security cover body. An antenna is operatively coupled to the transmitter to radiate radio frequency energy through the manhole cover body to a receiver located outside of said manhole.

Abstract: A deadbolt lock includes a deadbolt, a user rotatable actuator, and a lock interface. The user rotatable actuator is operatively connected with the deadbolt for movement of the deadbolt between locked and unlocked conditions when the actuator is changed from an inoperable condition to an operable condition. The lock interface is configured to change the actuator from the inoperable condition to the operable condition in response to proper user manipulation of the lock interface.

Abstract: A system and method by which a portable, personal storage container can be secured and protected using the owner's fingerprint is herein disclosed. While the features of the invention can be incorporated into almost any type of physical container, it is most likely to be envisioned to be incorporated into a wallet, purse, sack or eyeglass case. The invention relies on a biometric sensor that recognizes the owner's fingerprint, and unlocks the container when a match is presented. In addition to physical storage and security, the invention also provides electronic storage for computer files such as electronic files, documents, photos and the like via an integral computer connector. Finally, the invention is provided with a proximity sensor that detects when it has been moved more than a preset distance away from the rightful owner. This feature thus provides security against theft.

Abstract: An improved locking handle and power module assembly provides continued ability to open and close a truck cap or tonneau cover from within or without, and presents an enclosed mechanism to prevent obstruction or jamming. A release handle is provided to permit unlatching of a latch mechanism operated by the locking handle without regard to whether the locking handle is locked or not.

Abstract: An electronic locking system to secure consumable items in an image forming device and a method therefore. In one embodiment of the invention, an electronic locking system to secure media sheets includes a media tray to hold media sheets, a tray receiving member for receiving the media tray, and a controller. The tray receiving member includes a drive device and a plunger. The plunger is moved by the drive device between a locked and an unlocked position. The controller is configured to control the drive device to move the plunger to engage a portion of the media tray in the locked position and to move the plunger to disengage from the portion of the media tray in the unlocked position. The electronic locking system, incorporating the controller, provides an effective and efficient way to lock/unlock the media tray and eliminates the use of mechanical keys.

Abstract: An hydraulically activated internal locking apparatus is disclosed including an hydraulic fluid reservoir, an hydraulically activated locking system and a electronic control system, where the electronic control system is in electrical communication with the locking system and the reservoir is in fluid communication with the locking system so that the locking system can be transitioned from a locked state to an unlocked state when the electronic control system receives a unlock or lock code or instruction.

Abstract: A method of inputting a user input access combination in order to gain authorized entry into a secure location comprises providing an input device having first and second input keys as well as a display, randomly generating a first character and a second character on the display, inputting the user input access combination into the input device, and comparing the user input access combination with an authorized access combination. The user input access combination includes a first user input character and a second user input character. The step of inputting the user input access combination comprises pressing the first input key to change the first randomly generated character to the first user input character, and pressing the second input key to change the second randomly generated character to the second user input character.

Abstract: An actuator assembly is for a lock including a handle, a latch, a retractor for retracting the latch when the handle rotates, and a lock member displaceable between locked and unlocked positions, which either releasably couples the handle with the retractor or releasably prevents handle rotation. The actuator includes a motor having a shaft rotatable about an axis and a coupler spring disposed about the axis and having a first end coupled with the lock member and a second end. A drive member is coupled or integrally formed with the motor shaft and has a helical drive surface threadably engaged with the coupler spring second end, such that rotation of the shaft displaces the coupler spring along the axis to move the lock member between the locked and unlocked positions. Preferably, the drive member includes a spring coupled with the motor shaft and threadably engaged with the coupler spring.

Abstract: A lock assembly including a housing, a fastener that has a head, a lock member that is movable between a first position and a second position, and a barrier that is movably disposed within the housing. The barrier is displaceable between a first position at which the barrier at least partially covers the fastener head, and a second position at which the fastener head is generally accessible. The barrier is coupled with the lock member such that the barrier displaces from the barrier first and second positions when the lock member displaces between the lock member first and second positions.

Abstract: A latch apparatus for providing secure storage to an enclosure is disclosed. The latch apparatus can include an actuating device that operates to lock or unlock the latch apparatus in response to a control signal. The control signal can be communicated to the latch apparatus through an RF or other transmitted signal or through hardwires connecting the latch apparatus to the remote device. The latch apparatus can be maintained in either a locked state or an unlocked state without having to continuously supply power to the latch apparatus. The latch apparatus can include a latch hook that can be detent biased to both the open position and the closed position while the latch apparatus is in either a locked state or an unlocked state. The latch hook can move from the open position to the closed position while the latch apparatus is in a locked state. The latch apparatus can also have a thickness such that the latch apparatus will fit in the gap in which drawer slide hardware for an enclosure is installed.

Abstract: A door lock device includes a fixing rack, an operation rack, a solenoid device, an engaging member, and a locking pin. The fixing rack is installed in a receptacle and has a hinge shaft. The operation rack is coupled with the hinge shaft. The solenoid device is installed in the receptacle and has a rod. The engaging member is assembled to the rod and ascends or descends in response to the operation of the solenoid device. The locking pin is installed in the operation rack and performs a locking or unlocking function to the door.

Abstract: The invention provides a closure (106) for a compartment (100) having one or more walls (112, 114, 116 and 118) and an opening (110) defined by at least one of the walls (112, 114, 116 and 118). The closure (106) is associated with at least one fastener located inside the compartment (100). The fastener can hold the closure (106) in a first position (e.g. closed) relative to the opening (110). The fastener is adapted to cause the closure (106) to assume a second position (e.g. open) relative to the opening (110) upon receipt of a suitable signal. The closure (106) has at least on indicium (108) visible from outside the compartment (110). The indicium (108) is adapted to provide a visual indication of a status of the closure (106) or the compartment (110), such as closure open, closure closed, compartment empty, compartment occupied.

Abstract: A swivel lever can be locked in a trough in a swiveled in position and comprises a locking device which is accommodated in the swivel lever and which can be unlocked by way of an access opening in the swivel lever. The access opening can be made inaccessible by means of a cover. The cover can be blocked mechanically, particularly electromechanically, in its covering position.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electromechanical lock cylinder that cooperates with evaluation electronics to recognize access authorization and has a housing that includes two opposite cylindrical receptacles, in which a lock core, which can be operated by a key, or a knob shaft, which is connected to rotate in unison with a know, are mounted to rotation, in which the lock core and/or knob shaft cooperate with a lock tab, which operates, in particular, a bolt or latch with a door lock, and, with a fitting key or access authorization, an electromechanically driven blocking or coupling element is moved from the rest position to an operating position and produces a splined connection between the key or knob and the lock tab, characterized by the fact that the lock tab is freely rotatable relative to the two lock cores or the two knob shafts in the rest position of the blocking or coupling element.

Abstract: An electronic lock includes: an elongated lock case formed to have an opening, and formed thereinside with a bobbin-receiving space and a first passage; an annular bobbin with a middle passage, and disposed such that the middle passage is coaxially and spatially communicating with the first passage to serve as a second passage; a coil being operable to generate a magnetic field inside the second passage; a driving body configured such that when the magnetic field is generated by the coil, the driving body is repulsed by the magnetic field to move toward the opening; a latch body configured such that when the coil generates the magnetic field, the latch body is driven to move from an unlatching position to a latching position; and a spring for storing a restoring force when the latch body moves from the unlatching position to the latching position.

Abstract: An electronic access control device with an actuator that requires little energy to change between the coupled and decoupled states. The actuator can have levers that interact to bias the control actuator in the decoupled state. The actuator can be changed between coupled and decoupled states by magnetizing and demagnetizing an armature that interacts with the levers. The electronic lock can include a security apparatus that prohibits the electronic lock from changing between the coupled and decoupled states when an external magnetic field is applied.

Abstract: An apparatus including a motor that has a rotatable output shaft extending outward from the motor and defining a rotational axis. The apparatus also includes a coupler that is coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith, and a coil spring that is coupled to the coupler without external attachment means such that rotation of the coupler is transferred to the coil spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic lock, in particular a safety lock. In order to provide an electronic lock which, while being resistant to manipulation, is of simplified construction, the invention proposes a lock having a bolt (6), having a bolt-displacing device (9) connected thereto, having a blocking member (5) arranged at the bolt-displacing device (9), and having a blocking element (10) which interacts with the blocking member (5), the blocking element (10) being designed run into the movement path (12) which is described by the blocking member.

Abstract: A security device is removably affixable to an article. The security device includes a housing having a securing pad, a locking element and a strap. The locking element is disposed within the housing. The strap includes a first end having a latching region that is insertable into the housing and a second end having a securing region. The strap is slidingly movable between an open position and a locked position. The locking element engages with the latching region of the strap. When in the locked position, the strap secures the article between the securing pad and the securing region of the strap.

Abstract: A security device is disclosed to include a processor defined to control operation of the security device. The security device also includes a radio defined in electrical communication with the processor. The security device also includes a location determination device defined in electrical communication with the processor. The processor, radio, and location determination device are defined to operate collaboratively to provide a wireless tracking and communication system. The security device also includes a shackle and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is defined in electrical communication with the processor. The processor is defined to operate the locking mechanism to control locking and unlocking of the shackle based on information obtained through the wireless tracking and communication system.

Abstract: A system for securing and releasing doors includes at least two electromagnetic latches and a controller. Each of the electromagnetic latches includes a coil configured to be energized by a power signal to create a magnetic field. The controller switches the power signal between the electromagnetic latches so that the power signal is supplied to the electromagnetic latches one at a time. The electromagnetic latches may be electromagnetic door holders, electromagnetic door locks, or any combination of the two.

Abstract: A power-release door lock system for an automotive door having a latch, including a ratchet (18) and pawl (20), and an electro-mechanical exterior latch release mechanism (220) for actuating the pawl to release the ratchet. The system includes a controller (210) and a pressure sensitive switch (216) mounted to an outside door handle (214) of the automotive door and electrically connected to the controller. The controller is programmed to disable the pressure sensitive switch in response to a predetermined “lock” signal and enable the pressure sensitive switch in response to a pre-determined “unlock” signal, in which case the controller energizes the exterior latch release mechanism to release the ratchet in the event the pressure sensitive switch is actuated. The system eliminates the need for an exterior lock assembly and its attendant inside lock button or rod.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical lock assembly comprises a casing, an electric control mechanism and a manual control member. The casing has a base and an axial bore formed at the base. The manual control member is installed penetrating the axial bore of the casing and has a knob and a spindle coupled to the knob. The electric control mechanism is disposed within the casing and comprises a control switch, a rotatable member capable of actuating the control switch, a clutch gear capable of driving the rotatable member, a position member capable of controlling movement of the clutch gear and a motor capable of driving the clutch gear. The rotatable member is coupled to the spindle of the manual control member and has at least one first coupling portion. The clutch gear has at least one second coupling portion corresponding to the first coupling portion. The second coupling portion is capable of being moved along the spindle to catch with the first coupling portion of the rotatable member.

Abstract: In an embodiment according to the invention, the controller for a solenoid in an electromechanical lock is arranged to generate motion power to move the solenoid plunger and holding power to hold the solenoid plunger in place so that the motion power generated consists of a higher power level and a lower power level that are alternating.