Abstract: The seal system is comprised of a custom integrated circuit utilizing a special CMOS gate-array technology that can be utilized to build inexpensive tamper-resistant electronic seals. The electronic circuit includes a special analog as well as digital, single-chip circuitry that senses the state of the seal, and when interrogated, transmits that state via a 35-bit data word to a seal reader device, allowing remote monitoring and control of containers and expensive goods. Any attempt to tamper with the seal will be recorded in the circuit for later transmittal to the hand-held seal reader/verifier. Each seal has a unique 20-bit identification number, combined with a 6-bit random seal code and a 6-bit resistance value. The seal electronics may be utilized in a way to provide several types of seals, namely, a shipping container seal, an event triggering seal, and event logging seal, and a tamper-proof seal as well as combinations thereof.

Abstract: An alarm padlock (10) comprising a shackle (12) having a long leg (14) and a short leg (16). A body (18) is provided. A facility (20) in the body (18) is for mounting the shackle (12) in a reciprocal movement between a closed position and an extended open position, in which the short leg (16) of the shackle (12) is outside of the body (18) and the long leg (14) of the shackle (12) can swivel within the body (18). A latch mechanism (22) in the body (18) engages with the short leg (16) of the shackle (12), when the shackle (12) is in it's closed position. A lock mechanism (24) in the body (18) is operable to disengage the latch mechanism (22) from the short leg (16) of the shackle (12). An alarm circuit (26) in the body (18) actuates to emit a warning signal when an unauthorized person violates and tampers with the shackle (12) and the body (18).

Abstract: A padlock comprising a body and shackle, the shackle having an end releasably securable in the body, the body having a casing, the casing housing a tamper alarm means and a lock means, the tamper alarm means including a power supply means, the casing having an aperture configured and arranged to receive the end of the shackle being securable in the aperture by way of the lock means, a portion of the casing being movable to enable access to the power supply means, movement of the portion of the casing being prevented by a retaining means which is only accessible for insertion or removal via the aperture in the casing configured and arranged to receive the end of the shackle.

Abstract: A padlock having a body, a U-shaped keeper at one end of the body, and a key receptor at the opposite end of the body, the body containing a row of pieces to be engaged by key teeth comprising an indicator device on the body; the device having a location on the body relative to the pieces to indicate the left or right directional orientation of key teeth insertion into the receptor, to effect opening of the padlock keeper; and the indicator device extending in the direction of key insertion.

Abstract: A padlock having a body, a U-shaped keeper at one end of the body, and a key receptor at the opposite end of the body, the body containing a row of pieces to be engaged by key teeth comprising an indicator device on the body; the device having a location on the body relative to the pieces to indicate the left or right directional orientation of key teeth insertion into the reception, to effect opening of the padlock keeper.

Abstract: A padlock has a case, a locking mechanism, a shackle and a key. The locking mechanism, which is housed in the case, has a shield chip, five plate tumblers, a locking plate, a plate spring and two plates sandwiching them. To prevent the padlock from being pried open by an illegal tool, a shield chip prevents one of the plate tumblers from being moved up.

Abstract: A padlock comprises a battery-powered, built-in alarm which operates when the padlock's shackle is severed or forced open. The battery and alarm can be tested by opening the lock with a key, rotating the short leg of the shackle away from the lock body and then depressing the shackle, or optionally, by depressing the short leg. The alarm is turned on in response to the momentary closing of a switch when one shackle leg moves outwardly upon severance or forcible opening. The alarm may be an audible signal or an inaudible signal transmitted as a radio wave to a remote receiver at which an audible or visible signal is actuated. The audible signal generated at the lock escapes from the lock body through sound ports. Both audible and inaudible signals may be generated at the lock simultaneously.

Abstract: A securement apparatus for locking together remotely located objects, as for example locking a boat to a dock clete or a light airplane to a tiedown. The apparatus includes spaced apart locking mechanisms which are interconnected by an elongated connector having a flotation cover over a length of steel cable.

Abstract: A padlock is provided with bidirectional locking pins so that a key can be turned in either direction to operate the padlock. The padlock has a circular slot in the bottom portion to allow the insertion of a cylindrical key which has teeth and recesses corresponding with the lock pins. A locking ball holds a U-shaped lock bar in place. When the key is turned the ball moves inwardly to release the lock bar and to unlock the padlock. Turning the key in the opposite operation will lock the padlock.

Abstract: A padlock having a latching mechanism comprising a spring-biased latch bolt slidably disposed within a housing and having its free end extending outwardly from the housing to a locking position. The latch bolt has two upstanding spaced-apart shoulder portions, one shoulder portion being outside the housing positioned to engage the housing and prohibit sliding movement of the latch bolt into the housing, with the other shoulder portion being inside the housing and cooperating with the housing to maintain the one outside shoulder in its position to engage the housing. The latch bolt is pivotable about the inside shoulder portion to move the outside shoulder portion out of its position to engage the housing and thus permit the latch bolt to slide into the housing.

Abstract: An exposed shackle padlock including a casing and a U-shaped shackle movable between an outer open position and an inner locked position. A fence plate is supported for rocking movement within the casing about a pivot lug between locking and unlocking relations with a notch in a shorter leg of the shackle. One or more peripherally gated rotatable tumbler wheel members adjacent a fence formation on the fence plate normally prevent its movement to the unlocking position and may form either a key operated locking mechanism or a dial operated combination locking mechanism. The tumbler members in the combination lock form are scrambled during opening movement of the shackle and the fence plate is displaceable relative to the pivot lug to permit return of the shackle to locked position.