Abstract: A cylindrical barrel type lock wherein rotation of the barrel is prevented by one or more armatures which are actuated by an electromagnet. Energization of the electromagnet causes the armatures to be withdrawn from engagement with the barrel, thereby permitting its rotation to open the lock.

Abstract: A cylinder lock (1) comprises a lock cylinder (2) and a key-operated cylinder plug (3). A latching element (10) is located in the region of the boundary surface between the lock cylinder and the plug and is activated by an electrically actuable blocking element (11) which is movable between a release position and a blocking position. The plug cannot be turned by means of the key when the blocking element is in its blocking position. The latching element (10) has a length which is slightly shorter than the axial length of the plug (3).

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 lock microprocessor may either change ID codes stored in its memory or encrypt a seed number to be used for determining access to the lock. A novel combination dial electronic lock utilizes the electronic lock and key in association with a conventional combination lock dial to prevent rotation of the combination dial unless an authorized electronic key has been inserted into the electronic lock.

Abstract: A locking device including both a mechanical lock operable with a key and an electrical lock, operable from the same key. The device includes an electrical circuit for operating the electrical lock. The electrical circuit has a microprocessor and memory which stores the identity of keys authorized to open both the mechanical lock and electrical lock. A master key is provided which includes at one end a connector which engages a connector within the mechanical lock when inserted. Information is read from the master key, identifying a set of keys which are authorized to open the lock. Whenever a key from the set of authorized keys is inserted in the lock, an identification number is read through a contact member from a memory associated with the key, and an electrical signal is generated by the electric circuit of the lock to operate the electrical lock.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch system including a deadbolt locking mechanism. The deadbolt locking mechanism is disengaged manually from outside the vehicle using the key cylinder. The manual deadbolt disengagement mechanism is effective in disengaging the deadbolt in the event of total vehicle power loss. The deadbolt mechanism includes a power driven rack.

Abstract: A `Eurocylinder` configuration for an electronic lock and key system has a plug fitted into a main body housing which is readily mounted into a mortise of standardized dimensions. The plug has a keyway at one end and a deadbolt-engaging cam at the other end. To operate the lock, an electronic key is inserted into the keyway and, when given permission as a result of an opto-electronic communication exchange between a control processor in the key and a control processor in the lock, the key is rotated so as to operate a deadbolt. A spring biased translatable contact serves as a conductive interface between a flex circuit and a contact on the keyblade. The body also includes a solenoid device which is energized by way of the flex circuit. The solenoid device operates a plunger away from the plug to allow rotation of the plug by the key. The body and plug also include a segmented pin arrangement such that when the key and the plug are rotated from a key insertion position, the key cannot be removed.

Abstract: The invention is a device for locking the closure mechanism on an item of luggage. The device includes a movable rod which drives a movable clasp bolt on one part of the luggage. The clasp bolt interacts with an opening in another part of the luggage, which opening serves as the strike for the clasp bolt. A movable latch may be interposed in the path of the rod, so that in an active position the latch blocks the movement of the rod, thus locking the case, but when the latch is in a retracted position the rod is released. The latch is moved by an electric motor connected to the latch by a gear reduction unit which amplifies the output torque of the motor. The latch may remain in its blocking position when motor torque is not supplied. A control signal generator actuates the motor in response to the reception of an access code input by the user.

Abstract: An improved structure for an actuator for the lock mechanism of a latch assembly, such as a vehicle door latch assembly. The actuator includes a housing having an output arm moveable relative thereto between a lock position and an unlock position, to lock and unlock, respectively, the latch mechanism. An output gear having a pawl formed thereon is rotatably mounted adjacent the output arm. The output gear is adapted to rotate about an axis to cause the pawl to engage a first one of the pair of drive surfaces to urge the output arm toward the lock position. The output gear may be rotated in a second direction to cause the pawl to engage the other of the pair of drive surfaces to urge the output arm toward the unlock position. The output arm is coupled to a blocking member adapted for movement relative thereto. The blocking member may be moved to a blocking position when the output arm is in the lock position.

Abstract: In a door locking system of the type having an electric or electromagnetic safety mechanism, a locking lever is made of separate first and second lever sections. The first lever section is fixedly attached to a rotary shaft and connected to a lock cylinder. The second lever section is rotatable on the shaft and connected to a locking button. The safety mechanism is capable of locking the second lever section in the locking position thereof. A projection and a recess which are engageable with each other, are provided to the first and second lever sections such that the first and second lever sections are rotatable as one body when the first lever section is driven toward the locking position thereof or the second lever section is driven toward the unlocking position thereof.

Abstract: A locking system (20) allows a plurality of vehicle service doors (22) to be locked and unlocked by operating a single electrical switch in a suitable location such as the vehicle cab. The locking system (20) includes a lock (24) having a bolt (26) and a blocking cam (40). An actuator (144) moves the acm (40) between locked and unlocked positions via an extension member (46). The actuator (144) includes an actuating member in the form of a combined piston (148) and rack (150). A spring (170) urges rack (150) to remain in either of two selected positions.

Abstract: A lock assembly for locking a door to a frame element, comprising a rotatable locking element and a locking rod connected to the rotatable locking element. Rotation of the locking element in one sense results in the locking rod moving toward a first side of the frame element and rotation in the other sense results in the locking rod moving away from the first side of the frame element. The lock assembly also comprises a pin having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end selectively engages the rotatable locking element at an engagement position so that the locking element is prevented from rotating. The lock assembly comprises a pin actuating mechanism for moving the pin from the engaged position to a disengaged position wherein the pin does not engage the locking element.

Abstract: A door lever assembly for disengaging an unlocked latch of a lockable door latch assembly includes a lever handle rotatably connected to a trim housing and a cam operably connected to the lever handle. The cam is positioned to rotate in response to rotation of the lever handle, converting its rotational movement to linear movement of a movable slider positioned adjacent to the cam. An electrically activated block arm is positionable to prevent movement of the movable slider, effectively locking the door lever assembly.

Abstract: A motorized lock actuator is provided for moving a locking bar in a mortise lock. The lock actuator includes a pivot hub having a pivot axis and a shaft-receiving aperture, a spring mounted on the pivot hub, a motor, and a rotatable drive shaft inserted into the shaft-receiving aperture formed in the pivot hub. The motor rotates the drive shaft and thus the pivot hub to urge the spring into engagement with the locking bar so that the locking bar is moved either to its locked or unlocked position. A slip-clutch mechanism is provided in the pivot hub to establish a driving connection between the drive shaft and the pivot hub.

Abstract: A security system requires the bringing together, at the locking mechanism to be operated from a locked to an unlocked state, of a properly bitted mechanical key and the generator of a digitally coded electrical command signal. The electrical command signal is transmitted through the lock to an actuator so that the lock, when enabled by insertion of the mechanical key, may be operated. The key may define a portion of the signal transmission path between the command signal generator and the actuator.

Abstract: A device is provided for use in actuating a locking lug in a cylindrical lockset. The device includes a mechanism for moving the locking device between door handle locking and unlocking positions. The moving mechanism includes a plunger having an axis, a locking-assist spring coupled to the plunger and the locking lug, and a mechanism for reciprocating the plunger along its axis in opposite directions. To lock the cylindrical lockset, the reciprocating mechanism moves the plunger along its axis in a locking direction against the locking-assist spring so that the locking-assist spring is moved toward the locking lug to urge the locking lug to its door handle-locking position. To unlock the cylindrical lockset, the reciprocating mechanism moves the plunger along its axis in an opposite, unlocking direction away from the locking lug so that the locking lug is allowed to move to its door handle-unlocking position.

Abstract: A battery-less electronic cylinder lock comprises an electromagnet or other electrical release mechanism controlled by an electronic circuit. A cooperating key comprises a battery and a code producing circuit. When the key is inserted in the lock, power for the lock is supplied from the battery to the electronic circuit and the electromagnet by means of a transformer coupling arrangement with a primary portion in the key and a secondary portion in the lock. Alternatively, power may be supplied via electrical contacts on the key and on the lock.

Abstract: An electronic key and lock system, particularly useful for solenoid-operated locks employs a key that can operate electronically and mechanically. The key is mechanically polarized with its blade forming a first electrical contact and a separate second contact which is flush or raised relative to the blade. Each of the key and the cylinder employs respective light emitting and light receiving IR devices for communications between the electronics in the key and communications within the lock. The lock includes a solenoid-operated electronic cylinder.

Abstract: A strike mechanism for a door lock comprising a recessed strike plate (9) which in use is fitted into a door jamb to receive a latch bolt (14) and a strike (10) which is pivotal between a first position in which the bolt (14) is held within the recess and the door is locked shut and a second position in which the bolt (14) is released so the door may be opened. The strike (10) is lockable in the first position by pins (19, 20, 21) which are remotely operable by a solenoid (26) to extend or retract across adjoining surfaces of the strike (10) and plate (9) and prevent relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical lock includes a selectively operated bolt or latch which, when the bolt or latch is unblocked, may be selectively moved between a lock and an unlock position. A bolt blocking pin, which is float-mounted on a bias spring, is driven, by a first solenoid to a bolt blocking position, when the bolt is in a lock position. A spring biased solenoid pin of a second solenoid, is normally held against the blocking pin by the bias-spring and is driven by the bias-spring, to secure the bolt blocking pin in a bolt or latch locking position when the blocking pin is driven to the latch blocking position by the first solenoid. The spring biased pin is withdrawn from securing the blocking pin in bolt blocking position by energization of the second solenoid. Actuation of the solenoids to drive the bolt blocking pin into the bolt blocking position and to release the bolt blocking pin from a bolt securing position is accomplished by command or code operated switching.

Abstract: An intermediate locking mechanism which is interposed between the existing door bolt works and the door knob of a standard key door lock, which can be unlocked by use of either a key or by entry of an electronic code, the mechanism includes the provision of an interconnecting means for interconnecting the door knob to the door bolt with which manipulation of the door knob withdraws the door bolt, a securing means for securing the interconnecting means to preclude its manipulation, an electrically operated means for unlocking the securing means by entry of an electronically entered combination code and a mechanical key operated means for unlocking the securing means by manipulation of a key. After entry of the combination code, the electrically operated means manipulates the securing means from a first normally locked position to a second position enabling unimpeded operation of the mechanism.

Abstract: An engaging lever lock for rotor turning gear in a steam turbine includes a selectable lock that is disposed to hold the lever at its engaged position and control circuitry for activating the selectable lock. With a first embodiment, the selectable lock includes an electromagnet. On the other hand, with a second embodiment, the selectable lock includes a plunger-pin arrangement that is activated by a solenoid to extend into a hole formed in the lever, and is biased toward a retracted position away from the hole by a spring which is disposed around the pin between the plunger and the solenoid.

Abstract: Lockset has within its outer tubular spindle a radial dog which, depending on its position, couples or decouples the spindle and the outer handle. Dog is moved from one position to the other by pin on rotary motor shaft screwing in or out a spring encircling the shaft and attached to dog. Motor is in inner tubular spindle.

Abstract: An electromagnetically activated mechanism has mechanical input and output members, at least one of which cooperates with the armature of an electromagnet which is energisable to prevent or limit movement of that member. The electromagnet and its armature are located so that when the electromagnet is de-energized the armature can be urged by the aforesaid one member towards a position in which the magnetic gap between the armature and the electromagnet is a minimum.

Abstract: A lock cylinder suitable for mortise locks comprises mechanically operating tumbler pins controlled by a key and at least one electromagnetic tumbler. The cylinder is arranged in a cylinder casing and comprises a coil as well as a locking member which can be displaced by electromagnetic forces for an additional tumbler pin which is spring-loaded in the locking direction and with a reading device which detects a key code. The locking member is pivotally mounted in a recess in the additional tumbler pin and enters the locking position in front of a stop on the cylinder casing.

Abstract: An electronic lock comprises an outside cover having a sensor formed in the cover, an inside cover, a base having batteries stored in the base, a control device and two bolts of which a latch bolt can be retracted or extended for opening or closing a door when the door is not locked and a dead bolt can be operated by a thumbturn formed in the inside cover, and upon an insertion of a correct coded number card to sense the sensor to actuate an electromagnetic coil of the control device, the dead bolt can be operated for unlocking or locking the door from outside a door.

Abstract: An electronically self-latching cylinder lock comprising a cylinder into which a plug is inserted, a plurality of paired pin tumblers each of which is disposed in one of a plurality of bores formed inside the cylinder and the plug, and a plurality of switches which are controlled by the pin tumblers. The switches are used to actuate an electronic circuit to send out warnings with a buzzer and to secure the plug at its locked position with a latch which is driven with a solenoid, when an incorrect key is inserted into the key way.

Abstract: This lock, which may be coded-keycard operated, has a set-table device on the inside of the door by which the maid, for instance, can be locked out. The lockout setting device is preferably in the form of a pushbutton or deadbolt turnpiece which manipulates a switch in the code-receiving circuitry. The lockout setting is automatically cancelled when the latch is retracted. When the setting device comprises a deadbolt turnpiece, the deadbolt is biased toward retracted position and the setting device holds the deadbolt extended. When the latch is retracted in the latter version, the retraction cancels the lockout setting and permits the deadbolt to retract under the power of the deadbolt biasing spring.The invention also includes a non-code-operated embodiment in which a deadbolt is spriing driven to retracted position as the latch is retracted in latching to protect the deadbolt, lock and door frame.

Abstract: A lock assembly (10) for mounting on a door includes a dead-locking element (31), movement of which is controlled by an electrically operated device (35) for mounting on the door frame and magnetically coupled to a linkage system (32,33) whereby the dead-locking element (31) is moved. The linkage system carries a permanent magnet (34) which interacts with the core (37) of the solenoid when the door is in its closed position, and when the solenoid is energised it repels the permanent magnet (34) thereby operating the linkage system to move the dead-locking element (31) away from its operative position, thereby allowing a locking member (12) to be withdrawn.

Abstract: A door lock assembly comprises an outside operating section, an inside operating section and a mechanical lock, detachably mounted on a door. The outside operating section includes a switch button array which operates an electromagnetic plunger into an unlocking mode when a preselected number is set into switch buttons of the array. Operation of the electromagnetic plunger moves a mechanical on-off assembly to an off-position so that a rotatable knob can be manually rotated to operate a slidable dead bolt of the mechanical lock. The on-off assembly includes a resiliently biased slidable stop member mounted in a rotatably mounted member and having a reduced shoulder portion engageable in an opening in a cylindrical portion of a stationary hollow member, with the stop member being movable to an off-position disengaged from the opening by actuation of the electromagnetic plunger.

Abstract: A High Security Door Locking Device comprises a locking cylinder including a latch control cam rotatably operable by a properly formed key received within the cylinder. An electrical solenoid is inserted into the rear of the cylinder with a retractable core which interferes with the operation of the latch control cam when the solenoid is unoperated. A solenoid controller is connected to operate the solenoid in response to entry of a defined code into the solenoid controller to thereby permit operation of the latch control cam. The solenoid controller operates the solenoid only for a selected period of time in response to the entry of a defined code such that a valid code must once again be entered into the controller if the cylinder is not operated during the enabled time period.

Abstract: The invention adapts to an electronic lock comprising a housing, and a plug supported for rotation within the housing and having a keyway to receive the blade of a key which rotates the plug during operation of the locking apparatus. A locking member is movable into engagement with the plug to prevent the movement of the plug and the operation of the locking apparatus and movable out of engagement with the plug to allow the rotation of the plug and the operation of the locking apparatus. A solenoid having a core coupled to the locking member moves the locking member into and out of engagement with the plug. A permanent magnet is movable between a first position to receive and hold the solenoid core to maintain the locking member out of engagement with the plug, and a second position to release the solenoid core, and a driving means moves the magnet in at least one direction between the first and second positions.

Abstract: An actuator assembly is mounted in a housing and is actuatable by a solenoid carried in the housing. The housing also includes, integral therewith, a card reading arrangement.

Abstract: A latch bar is connected to the plunger of a solenoid and is movable endwise to release an exterior knob spindle to enable the spindle to actuate a latch bolt retractor. A latch carried by the latch bar is held by the retractor to maintain the latch bar open until the retractor is later actuated by the spindle, thereby enabling a single electric pulse to effect release of the lock bar.

Abstract: In a steering lock device of a type which can unlock a steering shaft of a vehicle without using a key, there is provided a so-called "back-up" means for assuring the steering shaft unlocking condition of the device when the key in a key rotor assumes "ignition ON" position. The means comprises a pivotally supported check lever having a first end projectable into the key rotor and a second end lockably engageable with a steering shaft locking bar. When the keyless unlocking is intended, the first end of the check lever is moved away from the key rotor by an electromagnetically actuated plunger thereby permitting rotation of the rotor toward the ON position disengaging the locking bar from the steering shaft. Upon completion of disengagement of the locking bar from the steering shaft, the second end of the check lever is brought into locking engagement with the locking bar thereby holding the same in the steering shaft unlocking condition.

Abstract: A security cabinet of metal construction having first and second series of locking members inside of and adjacent respective opposite side edges of the cabinet door. An electrically operable latching device maintains the cabinet door in a locked closed position. For unlocking the door, an electronic control device is provided including a disguised control panel mounted on the outer face of the door and being electrically connected to the latching device. The disguised control panel has a visually hidden array of switches thereon arranged so that a predetermined preselected sequence of actuation of the switches effects actuation of the latching device for movement thereof from a latched position to an unlatched position for permitting retraction of locking members by manual movement of the handle on the door to thereby permit the door to the cabinet to be opened.

Abstract: A solenoid activated locking system primarily for hood and trunk manual release systems for vehicles. The solenoid is connected to a cable tied to the latch of a conventional hood or trunk release system. Unless activated, the solenoid prevents manual release of the trunk or hood lids to prevent access to the truck or engine compartment to someone who has obtained unauthorized access to the vehicle interior. The solenoid is automatically actuated for a preselected period of time whenever the ignition is turned on or off or when a reset switch is closed for more than a minimum and less than a maximum period of time. In addition, the solenoid is activated automatically during closure of the hood or trunk lid to permit secure engagement of the corresponding latch mechanism. An emergency release cable, hidden in an obscure location external of the vehicle, is provided for enabling manual release of the solenoid in the event of vehicle battery failure or other otherwise disabling event.

Abstract: A lock intended, for example, for a door and comprising a lock bolt and a knob, handle or corresponding device (4) and an electrically actuable coupling arrangement (7, 8, 9) arranged through the agency of an electric signal to connect the knob to the lock bolt, so that the lock bolt can be moved to a lock-release position by rotating the knob, but which in an electrically non-activated position is disengaged so as to prevent the lock bolt from being manipulated by rotation of the knob.

Abstract: An electric lock comprising a solenoid which has a permanent magnet for attracting a plunger and an electromagnetic coil which is positioned adjacent the permanent magnet so as to control the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet. A cam member which has a cam surface formed at one end thereof engages an engaging pin when a bolt operating member is rotated so as to lock the electric lock so that an engaging rod is forced to move in the direction opposite to the direction in which an engaging bolt is biased, the other end of the engaging rod being connected to the plunger of the solenoid. A positive voltage application unit responds to an unlocking signal so as to temporarily cause a current to flow through the electromagnetic coil in such a way that the flux produced by the electromagnetic coil cancels the magnetic flux produced by the permanent magnet.

Abstract: Electrically-controlled and manually-actuatable lock devices are provided which can be attached in a simple manner to doors of all types. Given remodeling of existing doors, the cylinder lock present in the respective door can remain. The lock device converts a rotational motion introduced at the outside of the door by the turning of a knob, the rotational motion being conducted to the inside of the door below the lock, into a rotational motion of a cam of a cylinder lock and thus allows a traditional lock to be opened and locked. The rotational motion initiated from the outside is connected to the lock cylinder with the assistance of an electromagnetic coupling device that, in turn, actuates a mechanical coupling device. The electromagnetic coupling device is essentially designed without an air gap. This particular provision enables its operation with very low electrical energy. The lock device can therefore be supplied with electrical energy from very small batteries for years.

Abstract: The levers (5) of a lock which retain a bolt (3) in its locking position are prevented from moving to release the bolt by a latching member (12) in its latching position. The latching member (12) is movable along a guide (10) to an unlatching position by action of a solenoid (15). Insertion of the key (6) into the lock operates a switch (20) which actuates a timer operating the solenoid after a delay.

Abstract: A door locking assembly in which the latching mechanism of the assembly comprises a latch bolt operated by rotary means, which can be the door knob or a key operated tumbler, for normally operating the latch bolt, dead lock means for blocking the retraction of the latch bolt, auxiliary latch means having link means normally urging it into a position for moving the dead lock means out of latch bolt blocking position, electrically operable means cooperating with the latching mechanism for controlling the auxiliary latch means, lock bar means operative to prevent turning of the rotary means, and an operating element connected between the lock bar and the link means for the auxiliary latch means for determining the operative position of the lock bar means in relation to the position of the dead lock means relative to the latch bolt.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant steering column lock incorporating an improved combination lock is disclosed. The improved combination lock includes an array of discs, each having an electrically conductive member extending therethrough. The disc at one end of the array is connected to the active terminal of the vehicle's electrical system and the disc at the other end of the array is grounded. When the discs are rotated to align the electrically conductive members, a circuit is completed to a solenoid or the like which regulates movement of a locking bolt between its locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrical key-like devices, to electrical receptacles for use in combination therewith and to electronic circuitry systems, such as computers and other operating circuits, that interface with the key-like devices through the receptacle. The keys contain a microelectronic circuit element, eg., a microelectronic circuit chip or die, having an electrical lead or leads exposed along the length of the key for contacting electrical leads in the receptacle when the key is inserted therein and rotated to a "locked" position. The keys are particularly designed to interface with a processor and program memory system, that is, a computer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a locking device having a latching element movable between a locking position and an inoperative position, operating means for moving the latching element, a blocking member movable to a blocking position for mechanically preventing the latching element from moving to its inoperative position. According to the invention, a plurality of thermally responsive elements are arranged or are individually bendable to form thermally responsive holding means for adopting a holding condition to temporarily hold the blocking member in the blocking position and, preferably, also to form thermally responsive safety means for normally adopting an inoperative condition.

Abstract: Theft prevention apparatus is disclosed which automatically locks the hood of a motor vehicle and disables the ignition system of the vehicle whenever the engine of the vehicle is turned off. When the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, a solenoid coupled to the ignition system by a relay is selectively energized to disengage a latching member from a transverse radial groove provided in a slide member. Responsively, the slide member, under the influence of a bias spring, travels to an enabling position where it actuates a microswitch which disables the ignition system. The slide member is also coupled to a hood lock mechanism by the slide wire of a flexible cable and locks the hood lock mechanism when it is at the enabling position. A key-operated release mechanism is provided to manually retract the slide member to reset the apparatus.

Abstract: A door lock has a frame in which a knob spindle is mounted for rotation about an axis. The spindle can be prevented from rotation on the frame by a bar movable along the axis into and out of a position in which the bar engages both the frame and a slot in the spindle. The bar is moved by a spring and by a manual button mounted in an inside knob on the frame. The spindle can also be prevented from rotation on the frame by a pin radially movable on the frame into and out of a position in which the pin engages both the frame and the spindle slot. The pin is moved by a spring and by an arcuate electromagnet disposed coaxially of the spindle and having a polepiece in position to influence an armature on the pin. The customary key-operated lock is installed in an outer knob fastened onto the spindle.

Abstract: Two or more doors leading to a single room are provided with electrically operated locks which are energized by depressing a button in the room. All of the locks are de-energized by opening either of the doors, so that access to the room is available through either of the door openings when the room is not occupied.