Electrical Type (e.g., Solenoid) Patents (Class 70/277)
  • Patent number: 6651468
    Abstract: Clutch device for locks which consists of an interior axis, an exterior axis, a frame or static body, an elastic element, a radial trigger, a radial trigger lock and a radial actuator; wherein: the interior axis, exterior axis and static body comprise a coaxial assembly in which the exterior axis penetrates an axial cavity of the interior axis while both axes are assembled within the static body, the elastic element is in a fixed relative position with respect to the static body and in an annular housing defined between this static body and the interior axis, the radial trigger is lodged in a movable position within the interior axis and has a length equal to the difference between the exterior diameter of the exterior axis and the interior diameter of the static body, the radial trigger lock is installed within the exterior axis with its tip in the exterior diameter of this exterior axis and with its tail end placed against one end of a radial compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Talleres de Escoriaza, S.A.
    Inventors: Luis Angel Ruano Aramburu, Fermin Menta San Miguel
  • Patent number: 6647753
    Abstract: A lock with an electromechanical coupling device, which only consumes little electrical power, comprises an operating handle which constantly is in operative connection with a drive member of an electromechanical coupling device and upon recognition of an authentication code makes an operative connection with a driven member, which in turn is in constant operative connection with the operating mechanism of the lock. The drive member and the driven member of the coupling device are each spring-loaded into a rest position and can be coupled via a locking mechanism, which by means of an electromechanical transducer can be switched between a disengaged position and an engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Sphinx Elektronik GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Engler
  • Patent number: 6640594
    Abstract: An improved electronic lock requires a low power and consumes less electricity including an outer frame, an inner frame, a lock axle unit and a power unit. The outer frame is fastened to the outer side of a lock stile of a door. The outer frame has an outer handle, a keypad and a key way located on the exterior, and has the interior for housing the lock axle unit and the power unit to couple with the inner frame. The power unit includes a motor, a spring, a sleeve, a sliding plate and a retain plate. The power unit is coupled with a L-shaped lever to generate lever movements. Users may enter an electronic password to activate the motor to perform locking and unlocking function. The construction greatly reduces electric power: consumption of batteries, and lowers electric voltage, and increase the durability of the batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Shyang Feng Electric & Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Celina Yao
  • Publication number: 20030196465
    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 he placed in at least four different locking states and a rotating shaped disc on the drive, which may he 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: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Rolf Buecker, Joerg Uebelein, Uwe Sommer, Andre Goertz
  • Patent number: 6634685
    Abstract: An electronically-operable door strike employing a guard clip for deterring picking of the locking mechanism therein, a springless solenoid designed to avoid the undesirable build-up of residual magnetism and which incorporates air gaps for dissipating heat, thus prolonging the useful life of the solenoid, and a face plate for mounting the strike into a door jamb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Trine Access Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Herron, Wolfgang Jaffe, Gary Ferguson, Carlo Frussinetty
  • Patent number: 6629441
    Abstract: A door unlocking system may be used as an add-on for a door lock; the door lock being mounted in a door comprising a door frame and a door latching bolt. The system allows the door to be unlocked and opened using only one hand. The system also allows for the door to be opened with a key, through a remote signal, and to be unlocked until it is relocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Guy Lavergne
  • Publication number: 20030177796
    Abstract: A locking and latching system of modular construction in which some of the components of the system are pre-assembled prior to their installation into the structural framework of a vehicle door. The modular construction of the lock and latch system of the present invention can include the outside and inside door handles, the outside and inside locks, the door latch itself, as well as linkages between these components. The modular components of the present invention can further facilitate the assembly process by being of a design which simplifies the process of installing them into the structural framework of a vehicle door without requiring the use of specialized tools, thereby reducing the labor costs associated with assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Steven J. Dimig
  • Patent number: 6622535
    Abstract: This invention is related to a lock construction comprising: an active driving mechanism, a clutch mechanism, a first latch, a first latch-driving member, a second latch, a second latch-driving member, a latch spring, a transmission mechanism, and a handle mechanism. In one embodiment, the lock construction comprises a clutch mechanism that can be activated electrically to allow latching or unlatching of the door. In an alternative embodiment, the lock construction comprises a transmission mechanism that can drive two latches of the lock simultaneously to latch or unlatch the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Tung Lung Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Lung Chiang, Tsung-Chung Hung, Po-Yang Chen, Chen-Ming Lin
  • Patent number: 6612141
    Abstract: An interconnected lock assembly with a locking mechanism which can throw the deadbolt and lock the door in response to a remote control signal. The interconnected lock comprising a first lock assembly including an inside handle and an outside handle, and a second lock assembly interconnected to said first lock assembly. The second lock assembly comprises a deadbolt assembly operably connected to a deadbolt latch. The deadbolt latch comprises a deadbolt movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The interconnected lock further comprises a locking mechanism selectively engageable by a remote control signal to move the deadbolt to an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company
    Inventors: Peter K. Bates, John Bussiere, Alan Doerr
  • Patent number: 6609736
    Abstract: A motor-driven lock (2) includes a housing (3), a lock body (4), a motor (5), a transmission device (6) mating with the motor and the lock body, a lid (7), an enclosure (8), and a cover (9). The lock body includes a controller (41) having a gear portion (410), and a cap (43) attached to the controller. The transmission device includes a first gearshaft (60) mating with the motor, a second shaft (61) meshed with the first gearshaft, a wheel (62) meshed with the second gear shaft, a screw shaft (63) fixing the wheel thereon, a slider (64) mating with the screw shaft, a yoke (65) slidingly movable along the housing and actuatable by the slider, and a gear set (66) attached to the cap of the lock body, meshed with the gear portion of the lock body and mated with either of two racks (653) of yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Kinyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsun-Tsai Yeh
  • Patent number: 6603377
    Abstract: Door lock switch assembly in a drum type washing machine including a switch case, a switch cover fitted to the switch case, a latch holder rotatably, and elastically mounted in one side portion of the switch case for exerting a restoring force in a door open direction, a slide fitted to one side of the latch holder, for moving up or down in a direction the same with a hinge shaft of the latch holder to arrest or release the latch holder, a solenoid assembly mounted in a central portion of the switch case, for moving up or down the slide, and a switching part located below the slide, for making a switching operation as a terminal thereof makes a seesaw action following the moving up or down of the slide, thereby simplifying a structure of the door lock switch assembly, and improving an operation reliability of door locking and unlocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ki Chul Cho, Seung Bong Choi
  • Patent number: 6603222
    Abstract: A locking device for a lock has a bolt movable which is lockable and unlockable, a guide for receiving the bolt in a locked position, a latching device which secures the bolt in the locked position against unlocking, a first electrical switch for monitoring a position of the bolt and a second electrical switch for monitoring a position of the latching device, the first electrical switch with the bolt and the second electrical switch with the latching device being mechanically coupled, and a control unit with which the first and second electrical switches are connectable via a first and a second electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz-Juergen Loges
  • Patent number: 6591643
    Abstract: A keyless locking system comprises a housing with a planar plate constituting a front wall and peripheral walls extending inwardly to form an open housing. A rotatable assembly is rotatably secured within the housing. The rotatable assembly includes a rotator with a cylindrical shaft, a spring loaded retention member, a channel member and a trapezoidal end plate. The channel member has a parallel plate with a pair of sidewalls to encompass and contact the sides of a deadbolt. The first end has a retention bar between the sidewalls. A gearing assembly and an associated motor are provided. An electronic assembly is provided to effect the driving of the motor and worm gear. An associated switch initiates the driving of the electronic assembly and motor. Provided last is a control member. The member is adapted to be pressed to drive the motor rotating the gear assembly and channel member and deadbolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Cannella, Robert Cannella
  • Patent number: 6588813
    Abstract: A handle for a vehicle door has a control lever hinged to a connecting structure for connection to the door, and a detecting assembly for detecting the presence of a user's hand about to open the door; the detecting assembly having a magnetic aerial, which is housed inside the lever to detect the variation in a magnetic field caused by the user's hand nearing the handle, and is connected by a sliding connection to a circuit carried by the connecting structure and which supplies a presence signal to a control unit for releasing the respective lock upon reading an identification code carried by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo Sicurezza Abitacolo S.p.A
    Inventors: Massimo Marcarini, Fiorenzo Savant
  • Patent number: 6584818
    Abstract: A sensor for an interconnected lock assembly which can sense whether the door is in a locked or unlocked state. The interconnected lock assembly comprises a first lock assembly and a second lock assembly, both operably interconnected by a rack mounted on a carrier component. The second lock assembly is operably connected to a deadbolt latch assembly which comprises a deadbolt movable between an extended position when the carrier component is in a lowered position and a retracted position when the carrier component is in a raised position. The sensor is positioned within the interconnected lock assembly to detect when the carrier component is in a lowered position or in a raised position. The information is relayed to an electronic control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company
    Inventors: Peter K. Bates, John Bussiere, Alan Doerr
  • Patent number: 6584817
    Abstract: An electronic anti-theft lock mainly internally includes an electromagnetic valve having a vertically movable rod; a locating mechanism that includes a turning plate adapted to shift the whole mechanism inward or outward in multiple steps, a restoring plate adapted to mechanically depress the rod of the electromagnetic valve at an upward extended position, and a stopper adapted to engage with the extended rod of the electromagnetic valve to stop the locating mechanism from moving inward further; and a control circuit adapted to detect a correct IC code of an inserted chip-contained key, and to excite the electromagnetic valve to extend the rod to stop a locking bolt of the locating mechanism from moving inward to open the lock only when an incorrect IC code is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: WFE Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Chih Min Lien
  • Patent number: 6581423
    Abstract: A door lock is proposed, in which an outside knob assembled at the outside of a door can be manually controlled to be operationally associated with or dissociated from the door lock. When the door lock is fastened, the outside knob can be selectively decoupled from the door lock and become idle; this is greatly beneficial as to prevent the door lock from being damaged even if the outside knob is exerted with external impact or forcibly turned by a strong force. The door lock is further provided with a fireproof mechanism, which prevents the door from being opened during a fire, thereby confining spreading of the fire to minimize fire-induced damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Ching-Tien Lin
  • Patent number: 6580355
    Abstract: A remote control door entry system, which may be installed in a door jamb/frame, in the center frame post of a door assembly that has a side light glass unit, or centered in the edge of the stationary door of a double door arrangement. The slim design of the present invention contributes to its significant versatility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: T.K.M. Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas K. Milo
  • Publication number: 20030094024
    Abstract: A latch assembly, comprising a control element having a pivot point and an actuator. The actuator has a first position in which the control element is engaged by the actuator for pivotal movement about the pivot point and a second position in which the control element is disengaged by the actuator from pivotal movement about the pivot point. The latch assembly further includes a ratchet arranged and configured for rotation with the control element when the control element is engaged by the actuator and for non-rotation when the control element is disengaged by the actuator. A highly preferred embodiment of the invention includes an automatic unlocking circuit powered by a backup power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Steven J. Dimig
  • Patent number: 6564601
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Richard G. Hyatt Jr.
  • Patent number: 6564600
    Abstract: An electronic access control device has a movable locking member. A locking mechanism is operable to control the locking member. A movement detector generates a first condition in response to movement of the locking member. A key detector generates a second condition in response to detecting a key. The locking mechanism increases resistance to movement of the locking member in response to the first condition, and decreases resistance to movement of the locking mechanism in response to the second condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Videx, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Davis
  • Patent number: 6553802
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic key comprising electronic components for receiving or transmitting signals. Said components are integrated in a housing (20). A mechanical emergency key (30′) is provided in case of an electronics failure. Said emergency key (30′) can be inserted into a recess (27) in the housing (20) together with its key shaft (31′). The aim of the invention is to produce a key which can be handled easily. To this end, one end of the housing is provided with a recess which is undercut at least in places and which usually prevents the inserted emergency key (30′) from being pulled out. Usually, the key is in a holding position in the housing (20) with an essentially positive fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dirk Jacob
  • Publication number: 20030074936
    Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the present invention provide an improved access control system that provides additional security for the connection between an existing locking system and an access control system, for example, to prevent tampering. The security system preferably includes a control line shield to protect a control line running from an access reader to an external lock incorporated in a door, for example. The control line shield seals the control line into the interior of the door to prevent easy access for interference and tampering Additionally, the control line shield may be removed as necessary to provide service to the access system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Fred Conforti
  • Patent number: 6539755
    Abstract: A lock which includes a bolt which is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position against the action of a biassing element such as a spring, first retaining element which is engaged with the bolt and which retains the bolt in the locked position and which is movable between a first position at which the first retaining element restrains the bolt from being moved from the locked position to the unlocked position and a second position at which the first retaining element restrains the bolt from being moved from the unlocked position to the locked position, remotely actuable release element, which when actuated, causes movement of the first retaining element from the first position to the second position, and handle element for moving the bolt from the locked position to the unlocked position when the first retaining element is disengaged from the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Azotec (Pty) Limited
    Inventors: Frederick Johannes Bruwer, Brandt Aucamp
  • Patent number: 6530251
    Abstract: An improved modular vehicle door lock and latch system is disclosed which includes a door latch mechanism, an inside door latch and door lock handle, and a unique outside door handle and door lock interface member, all of which are assembled into a pre-connected configuration together with all necessary control cables, thereby significantly reducing the labor required to assemble the lock and latch system into a door of a motor vehicle and correspondingly resulting in a significant cost reduction. A first module includes the inside door handle, the outside and inside locks, the door latch, and an outside door lock and door handle interface member, as well as linkages between these components. A second component is an outside door handle assembly which will be operatively connected to the outside door lock and door handle interface member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Dimig
  • Patent number: 6532399
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for selectively dispensing inventoried items, such as pharmaceutical and therapeutic agents in a hospital.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Mase
  • Patent number: 6526790
    Abstract: A lock device, in particular for doors of motor vehicles, has lock elements such as at least rotary latch and a pawl, wherein at least a one lock element a pawl can be connected via connecting elements with at least one handle or such connection can be eliminated. An actuator device of the lock device has a cam disk, the connection being made or eliminated as a function of the cam disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Torsten Wegner
  • Patent number: 6519987
    Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock system including a vehicle lock adapted to be locked and unlocked, a lock element adapted to be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position for locking and unlocking respectively the vehicle lock, a central interlock drive having a slow running drive element for moving the lock element, a remote control module, control electronics with a passive entry function to at least passively unlock the vehicle lock, and a high-speed electromagnetic drive for rapidly moving the lock element from the locked position to the unlocked position to thereby unlock the vehicle lock quicker than by operating the drive element. The passive unlocking of the vehicle lock occurs over time requiring a reaction phase with a starting interval, an authorization check interval, and an action interval, the starting interval being initiated by an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Weyerstall
  • Publication number: 20020180580
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for receiving packages. The system includes a housing having a plurality of walls forming an enclosure. At least one of the compartments is unequal in size relative to the other compartments. The compartments can concurrently house packages of varying sizes. A plurality of lockable doors disposed in the housing provides access to at least one of the compartments in the housing. The locks are switchable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition using at least one authorization code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Bradley L. Gotfried
  • Patent number: 6487884
    Abstract: An electrically controlled lock (10), including a retractable latchbolt and a clutch mechanism disposed between a latchbolt retracting mechanism for retracting the latchbolt and a drive member (11) for driving the latchbolt retracting mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a pair of engageable bodies (18, 22) which are relatively movable between an engaged condition in which drive of the drive member (11) is transmitted to the latchbolt retracting mechanism for retracting the latchbolt, and a disengaged condition in which transmission of drive between the drive member (11) and the latchbolt retracting mechanism is interrupted so as to prevent retraction of the latchbolt. The relative movement of the engageable bodies (18, 22) occurring as a result of engagement of at least one of the bodies with an actuating member (32) which is controlled by an electrical actuator (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Lockwood Security Products Pty, Limited
    Inventor: John Constantinou
  • Patent number: 6477505
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical lock on the coin vault of a parking device is controlled by the electronic components of the parking meter. Combining the electro-mechanical lock with a standard mechanical lock provides additional security in that two devices must be employed to open the meter. This provides greater security for coin collection without the need to provide separate circuitry to control the lock. Additionally, the electro-mechanical lock can be triggered by a smart card which also triggers an audit of the meters activity, providing an audit trail for coin collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventors: Seth Ward, II, William C. Kiehl, R. Todd Brown
  • Patent number: 6463773
    Abstract: A latch assembly, comprising a control element having a pivot point and an actuator. The actuator has a first position in which the control element is engaged by the actuator for pivotal movement about the pivot point and a second position in which the control element is disengaged by the actuator from pivotal movement about the pivot point. The latch assembly further includes a ratchet arranged and configured for rotation with the control element when the control element is engaged by the actuator and for non-rotation when the control element is disengaged by the actuator. A highly preferred embodiment of the invention includes an automatic unlocking circuit powered by a backup power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Dimig
  • Publication number: 20020144526
    Abstract: An electronic lock comprises a magnetic induction mechanism, a clutch mechanism, a lock core mechanism linked with one end of the clutch mechanism, and a rotation mechanism linked with other end of the clutch mechanism. The magnetic induction mechanism is formed of a permeable outer iron piece, a permeable inner iron piece, a permanent magnet located between the outer iron piece and the inner iron piece for generating an auxiliary magnetic field, and an induction coil held by the inner iron piece for generating an induction magnetic field. The clutch mechanism is activated by a combined force of the auxiliary magnetic field and the induction magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Chen Ming-Chih
  • Patent number: 6462431
    Abstract: A remote locking release device in a bicycle wheel locking apparatus, including: a remote controller; a light signal receiving unit for generating a locking release signal by a locking release requirement signal received from the remote controller; a position detecting unit for detecting the present position of a locking bar and generating a locking state signal; a controller for generating a relay control signal by the locking release signal and the locking state signal; a relay driving unit for supplying a relay driving voltage by the relay control signal; and a relay for releasing the locking state by the locking bar with falling down a stopper by the delay driving voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Leeki Woo
  • Patent number: 6434984
    Abstract: A drive device for locking a conditionally opening lock, including a motor means (MT) comprising a drive element (36) having an axis of rotation (X1), a transmission arm (26) mounted about an axis of rotation (X2) distinct from the axis (X1), a locking block (PVI) connected mechanically to the arm (26) and adapted to occupy an active position (P1), to oppose the displacement of a bar, and an inactive position (P2) allowing displacement thereof, and elastic means (48) for putting the locking block (PVI) under bias, when the block's displacement is impeded by the bar, wherein the elastic means (48) are arranged between the drive element (36) and the transmission arm (26), these elastic means (48) being in direct driving contact with a coupling surface (54) of the transmission arm (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Ilco-Unican S.A./Relhor Division
    Inventors: Denis Juillerat, Pierre Pellaton
  • Patent number: 6435573
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotating catch lock, wherein a closing member (10) interacts with a catch (20), which can be rotated between a closing position accommodating the closing member (10) and an open position which releases said member. The catch (20) is force-loaded (22) in an open position and is held by a spring-loaded (33) rotating latch (30) in the close position. Said latch (30) is moved by a motor (50) between the locking position retaining the catch (20) and a stand-by release position in which the spring-loaded latch (30) is propped up by the catch (20) as long as it remains in an open position. In order to use small compact motors (50), the invention provides that the stored energy (61) exerted by an energy storage mechanism (60) is transmitted to the latch (30) via a storage lever (40). Normally, the latch (30) is shifted into its stand-by position by the storage lever (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Piotr Szablewski
  • Patent number: 6434985
    Abstract: A locking assembly is provided for a pivotally openable window or door security grille (14, 82) of a building. To unlock the security grille (14, 82), a user operates an electric punch key pad (52) to cause a solenoid rod (168) to disengage a depression (182) and the operates a handle (54) to cause an actuator support bracket (100) to pivot in a forward direction from a first reference location to a second reference location against the influence of a coil spring (132), whereby a catch surface (130) no longer engages against a shaft member (26) which is free to leave a lockable location and allow the security grille (14, 82) to be pivoted to an opened position, and whereafter a slidable pin (152) engages a depression (150) under the influence of a coil spring (156).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Exodus Innovations PTY Limited
    Inventor: Joseph Reginald Walmsley
  • Patent number: 6430689
    Abstract: A system for securely transporting valuables enclosed in a container which responds to attempted tampering by damaging said valuables and is provided with internal control means operating as a limited-mode machine that may include at least some of the elements of a series consisting of a user such as a dispatcher, a recipient or an escort, a container, and a single remote host capable of communicating with the internal control means of said container, at least at the time of departure. The elements are interconnected via a single terminal to form a star network of stations with said station at the center. The system is characterized in that the station of at least one recipient is not a resident station but a mobile and portable station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Axytrans SA
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Lacombe, Marc Geoffroy
  • Patent number: 6418765
    Abstract: The motor-driven lock has an inner part installed on a door of a room, an outer part installed on the door exterior of the room, and a latch. A tube-like releaser covers a barrel, and a part of which is integrated with an inner handle. Another part of the releaser is inserted in a loophole defined in a cover of the inner part of the lock and is connected to a linking tube for unlocking the latch. When using a magnetic card, a key, or a password the lock of the invention is lockable from an exterior of the room, and in addition to being unlockable from the exterior, it is also able to be unlocked from an interior of the room by rotating the releaser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Ming-Hsiang Chiu
  • Patent number: 6412320
    Abstract: A closing device for a lock, comprising a pivoting bolt that can be closed in a forward and retracted position with the aid of a locking means. The invented device also comprises a closing element (13) that accommodates the bolt in a forward close position and a locking and unlocking device for said bolt. The locking and unlocking device comprises at least one locking element (17, 18) that can be moved forwards into the movement area of the bolt or retracted, whereby the pivoting bolt is secured in a forward position against closure in a retracted position or retracting from the forward close position. When in a locked position, mechanical door-side interventions on the locking mechanism of the locking cylinder or the pivoting bolt-lock do not result in a closing movement of said bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Rolf Maniago
  • Patent number: 6406072
    Abstract: An electrically operated drive device includes a wheel gear rotatably mounted on a spindle of a turning lever of a door lock. The wheel gear is driven by a motor, and has a cam member disposed thereon. A crank member has a crankshaft mounted on and rotatable with the spindle, and a crank pin. A shifting mechanism is disposed between the wheel gear and the crank member, and includes front and rear major walls that cooperate respectively with the crank member and the cam member to permit right and left displacement of the shifting member to thereby bring a deadbolt to one of retracted and extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Tong-Lung Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Po-Yang Chen
  • Patent number: 6397646
    Abstract: A door lock able to be unlocked by a key or a remote controller, has a body and a bolt provided inside the body. The bolt has a recess defined therein, and a tooth formed at a bottom side of a first end thereof. Two upper sheets and two lower sheets are respectively provided in an upper portion and a lower portion of the recess. Four links are pivotally connected end to end by four pivot pins to form a rhombic structure and respectively provided between the upper sheets and between the lower sheets. Two torsion springs are provided between the sheets and respectively mounted on two transversal pivot pins and pushing against two longitudinal pivot pins. An upper cam is mounted at an upper side of the bolt. A lower cam is mounted at a lower side of the bolt. The upper cam and the lower cam each have two tongues for pushing the upper sheets and the lower sheets inwards, and pushing the bolt to transversally move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Shing-Hwa Doong
  • Patent number: 6381999
    Abstract: A power supplying device for a door lock has a body, a dead bolt and a latch bolt installed on the body. A tongue is formed at a distal end of a latch bolt. A resilient member is provided between a disk and a flange on the latch bolt. An iron core is movably installed on the body and has a first coil connected with a circuit board by a first wire. The iron core is electrically connected with the storage battery. An inductor formed inside a strike plate has a coil for receiving the iron core. The coil is electrically connected with a transformer by a wire, and the transformer is supplied with AC. Whereby, an induced current is generated in the coil by the mutual inductance between the iron core and the inductor to charge the storage battery for supplying power to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Shing-Hwa Doong
  • Patent number: 6384711
    Abstract: An electronic security system includes an electronic lock mechanism and an electronic key, each of which is provided with a microprocessor controller and a memory storing data including an ID code and encryption key codes. The electronic lock security system preferably includes an electronic lock including a hollow cylinder, an opening into the cylinder, a bolt movable through the opening between an extended position and a retracted position, a cam member within the cylinder, the cam member contacting the bolt to move the bolt to an unlocked position, a solenoid within the hollow cylinder, the solenoid being engageable with the cam member, an electronic lock circuit within the hollow cylinder, a plug connected to the solenoid for rotating the solenoid, the plug having a keyway for insertion of a key for rotating the plug. In addition, the system also includes an electronic key insertable within the keyway for communicating with the electronic lock circuit to operate the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Medeco Security Locks, Inc.
    Inventors: Barton B. Cregger, Lance G. Schoell, Stanley D. Kingma, Matthew O. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 6382005
    Abstract: A remote controllable dead bolt type of locking apparatus is to be retrofittedly mounted in conjunction with a conventional garage door which is to function to securely lock the garage door preventing unauthorized entry through the garage door. The locking apparatus uses an elongated draw bar assembly that connects between the right side door jamb and the left side door jamb which defines the transverse sides of the opening within which is mounted the garage door. The draw bar assembly is to be linearly moved by a draw bar drive which is to be electrically activated when operating of a hand held remote that operates the conventional garage door opening mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventors: Bryan A. White, Clyde D. Herman
  • Patent number: 6374653
    Abstract: A lock cylinder of standard size and configuration, interchangeable with conventional mechanical cylinders, includes electronic access control features as additional security or in some embodiments as the sole security feature. A microcontroller, memory, solenoid, battery, one wire bus connection and other electric and electronic elements are self contained within the cylinder, being positioned in the cylinder shell or the cylinder plug. The microprocessor can be programmed as to authorized users, entry times, etc. using a special programming key, which itself is programmed with a computer. User keys have a memory cell or ID chip which is read by the cylinder's microcontroller on insertion of the key; however, a system of locks can include locks which are mechanical/electronic, solely electronic and solely mechanical, and keys can also be electronic, mechanical or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Security People, Inc.
    Inventors: Asil T. Gokcebay, Yucel K. Keskin
  • Patent number: 6374652
    Abstract: A locking doorknob which recognizes a fingerprint, in which the detecting sensor of a fingerprint is installed on the spot of the doorknob that a thumb or other fingers are placed naturally as the door is being opened. The location of the detecting sensor of the fingerprint can be changed at the discretion of a user to correspond to such a location. During operation, as soon as a user holds the doorknob, his fingerprint is measured and searched, and if the fingerprint corresponds to a fingerprint previously input, the door is unlocked and the doorknob can be turned to open the door. In this way, fingerprint recognition and opening of the door are performed at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Keico, Ltd.
    Inventor: Moon Sung Hwang
  • Patent number: 6367295
    Abstract: A handle for controlling a lock of a vehicle door has a connecting structure for connection to the door; a control lever hinged to the connecting structure and gripped by a user; and a control device for setting only the one lock to a safety-off mode; the handle having a respective electric aerial, which is carried by the lever, detects an identification code carried by the user, and is connected to the control device to supply the control device with an enabling signal as the user approaches the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo Sicurezza Abitacolo S.p.A.
    Inventors: Astorre Agostini, Fiorenzo Savant
  • Publication number: 20020035857
    Abstract: A method for utilizing an associate network with a system for monitoring shipping may include the steps of identifying a list of associates; prescribing an access state for each of the associates; and authorizing access to the system to each of the associates in accordance with the associate's access state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Mark Stein, Steve Van Till, Redentor Casanova
  • Patent number: 6360573
    Abstract: A mechanism for locking and unlocking an electronic safe lock barrel which is provided with a retaining long key and is fastened with a rotary mechanism located on the outside of the safe door. The lock barrel has a portion which is located in the inside of the safe door and is provided with a position confining slide sleeve. The position confining slide sleeve is fastened at the rear end with a motor having a rotary shaft which is engaged with a threaded sleeve capable of displacing back and forth. The threaded sleeve is provided with a retaining slot for retaining the retaining long key of the lock barrel so as to prevent the lock barrel from being turned by the rotary mechanism. The motor is operated by the circuit to enable the threaded sleeve to retain or release the retaining long key of the lock barrel, thereby controlling the locking and the unlocking mechanisms of the electronic lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Summit Automation Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Chen Ming-Chih