Magnetic Features Patents (Class 70/413)
  • Patent number: 9021841
    Abstract: A vessel locking system which provides a locking cap which secures in locked engagement with a vessel releasable by mated engagement of a cap key with the locking cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Abuse Tech, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher J. Kottenstette
  • Patent number: 9010161
    Abstract: A protective device, particularly for a lock of a door or leaf, comprising a covering element which is associated slidingly with a plate that can be fixed to the door or leaf and can be positioned selectively so as to close an opening for access to the lock which is provided in the plate. Two pins are associated transversely with the plate and are adapted to block temporarily the sliding of the covering element with respect to the plate. The device has at least one cam, freely mounted rotatably within a cavity provided in the plate. At least one first recess and at least one second recess are provided in the lateral surface of the at least one cam, which have, in plan view, a mutually different shape and are adapted respectively to allow and prevent the sliding of the covering element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Pier Luigi Oliana
  • Publication number: 20150101370
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a lock cylinder comprising: a plug assembly having a front portion and a back portion; a housing shell within which the plug assembly is rotatably disposed, wherein the housing shell includes a notch; wherein the back portion of the plug assembly comprises: a locking pin that is movably disposed, and wherein the locking pin is configured to prevent a rotation of the plug assembly when the locking pin is engaged in the notch and prevented from retracting by a multi-stable mechanism; and the multi-stable mechanism having at least two stable configurations corresponding to respectively to a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein the multi-stable mechanism can maintain the stable configurations without consuming energy; wherein, at a first stable configuration, the multi-stable mechanism prevents the locking pin from retracting, and, at a second stable configuration, the multi-stable mechanism enables the locking pin to retract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Peter R. Russo, Matthew Patrick Herscovitch
  • Patent number: 8997538
    Abstract: A lock assembly (10) including a plug (12) having a keyway (14) for inserting therein a key (16), and a movable element (18) movingly disposed in the plug (12), the movable element (18) being divided into at least two separate magnetic portions (20, 22) arranged to move relative to one another and having identical magnetic polarity, wherein the magnetic portions (20, 22) are sufficiently near one another such that one of the magnetic portions (20, 22) applies a magnetic repelling force on the other magnetic portion (20, 22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Mul-T-Lock Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Marc Tobias, Effi Ben-Aharon, Tobias Bluzmanis
  • Patent number: 8863563
    Abstract: A magnetic lock and key assembly includes a magnetic lock assembly. The magnetic lock assembly includes a plunger translatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A detent is extendable when the plunger is in the locked position and retractable when the plunger is in the unlocked position. A lock magnet is translatable with the plunger and has an end defined by a lock magnet north pole and a lock magnet south pole. The magnetic lock and key assembly further includes a magnetic key assembly having a key magnet. The key magnet has an end defined by a key magnet north pole and a key magnet south pole. At least one of the lock magnet and the key magnet is rotatably supported to facilitate automatic magnetic attractive alignment, attraction of the lock magnet toward the key magnet, and translation of the plunger to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Rexnord Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Frank L. Gentile, Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
  • Patent number: 8833115
    Abstract: An antitheft device having a product display case with a double locking mechanism and an unlocking device for unlocking the locking mechanism. A product display case having a locking mechanism, and an unlocking device are provided. An attachment portion for a security tag is provided on the inside of the product display case, and a first case component and a second case component are openably fitted together in an X direction. The locking mechanism has a first lock device and a second lock device that latch together in a Y direction which intersects the X direction. The first lock device locks by latching in a Y1 direction, and unlocks upon being pressed in a Y2 direction by a projection of the unlocking device. The second lock device locks by latching in the Y2 direction, and unlocks upon being pulled in the Y 1 direction by a magnet in the unlocking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha San-Ei
    Inventor: Tamotsu Nakasuji
  • Patent number: 8800332
    Abstract: A protective device comprising a covering element associated slidingly with a plate which can be fixed to the door or leaf and can be positioned selectively so as to close an opening for access to the lock which is provided in the plate. Two pins associated transversely with the plate block temporarily sliding of the covering element. The pins interact with the arms of a rotor, associated rotatably, within a cavity provided in the plate. Pivots protrude from the rotor and cooperate selectively with at least three cams, freely associated rotatably proximate to a surface of the cavity. The cams have an axis at the vertices of a polygon and interact with a magnet-based combination element adapted to modify the angular position of the cams to allow or prevent the rotation of the rotor and temporary mutual release of the pins and the covering element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Pier Luigi Oliana
    Inventor: Pier Luigi Oliana
  • Patent number: 8726704
    Abstract: A shelf device comprises an enclosed frame that includes a plurality of members, a concealed compartment within the frame, and a locking system that includes a locking mechanism comprising a slide bolt and magnetic lift positioned perpendicularly within the slide bolt, a ledge that is engaged with the slide bolt when the locking system is locked, and a magnet. The magnetic lift moves in one direction to cause the slide bolt to move perpendicularly to the magnetic lift's direction as the slide bolt disengages or engages with the ledge to unlock or lock the shelf, respectively. In one embodiment, a rare earth magnet is aligned with the magnetic lift to pull the magnetic lift vertically upward causing the slide bolt to move horizontally backward to disengage the slide bolt from the ledge. Consequently, the shelf is opened as one or more frame members are released to expose the concealed compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Dale White
  • Patent number: 8684227
    Abstract: A merchandise display hook for displaying items of merchandise includes a support rod and a helix disposed about the support rod and extending along at least a lengthwise portion of the support rod. The support rod includes mounting structure for mounting the display hook to a display fixture and has a first end adjacent the mounting structure and a second end opposite the first end adjacent the helix for loading the items of merchandise onto the support rod and for dispensing the items of merchandise from the support rod. The merchandise display hook further includes a time delay mechanism attached to the helix adjacent the second end of the support rod so as to define a space therebetween for loading and dispensing the items of merchandise. The time delay mechanism includes a gear assembly configured for permitting the items of merchandise to be loaded onto the support rod at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the items of merchandise can be dispensed from the support rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Justin A. Richardson, David N. Berglund, Larry K. Hooks, Gregory C. Schultz
  • Patent number: 8686869
    Abstract: A sensing system senses whether or not a lock's bolt (140), e.g. deadbolt, is aligned with a hole (150) which the bolt is to engage in the locked state. In electronic locks, the bolt is not driven into the hole until the sensing system indicates that the bolt is aligned with the hole. Another sensing system senses the position of the bolt and/or a dead-latch bar (1310). This sensing system is spaced from the bolt's end engaging the hole in order not to interfere with the alignment sensing. The two sensing systems are used to determine whether the lock is locked or unlocked. A magnet system provides alignment assistance to align the bolt with the hole before the bolt is driven into the hole. Position encoding for lock and non-lock devices, and other features and embodiments are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: SecureALL Corporation
    Inventors: Arun Kumar Sharma, David Arthur Candee
  • Patent number: 8528372
    Abstract: Security device comprising a clasping member that comprises a conducting member, a locking member connected to the clasping member, such that the locking member and the clasping member form a loop, the locking member in turn comprising: a gear member comprising a protruding profile, the gear member extending in a first plane with the protruding profile raised from the first plane, a maneuvering member extending in a second plane parallel to the first plane, the maneuvering member being rotatable relative the gear member and comprising a latch member biased towards the first plane arranged to engage the gear member, such that rotation of the maneuvering member in opposite directions causes a narrowing or a widening of the loop. Rotation in a opposite direction is prevented through the engagement of the latch member with the protruding profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: MW Security AB
    Inventor: Thomas Nilsson
  • Patent number: 8523012
    Abstract: A merchandise display hook has a time delay mechanism for increasing the amount of time required to dispense items of merchandise from a display arm, while permitting bulk loading of the items of merchandise onto the display arm. The time delay mechanism includes a housing, a helix extending from the housing in a rearward direction, and a rotatable handle extending from the housing in a forward direction. Rotation of the handle causes the helix to rotate about the display arm to thereby dispense the items of merchandise from the display arm in the forward direction. The time delay mechanism further includes a lock mechanism having a secured position for attaching the time delay mechanism to the display arm and an unsecured position for allowing the time delay mechanism to be detached from the display arm to permit bulk loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Justin A. Richardson, Michael R. Johnston, John F. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8397546
    Abstract: A cabinet security system in accordance with the present disclosure includes a retractable latch associated with a cabinet drawer or door and a latch blocker coupled to a cabinet frame. A magnet is used to retract the latch to unlock the drawer for movement relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim R. Varney, Bryan R. Hotaling, Scott A. Leclerc, Jim Ormond, Chuck Buckavich
  • Patent number: 8376150
    Abstract: Described herein is technology for, among other things, a theft deterrent apparatus for cooperation with an elongate member attached to and extending outwardly from a forward-facing side of an article display panel. The apparatus includes a housing defining an internal chamber. The housing includes a first aperture passing through the housing into the internal chamber for receiving the elongate member, a second aperture for receiving a magnetic key, and a locking member that has a magnetic portion and is movably disposed within the internal chamber. The locking member is adapted to selectively: maintain the apparatus in locked and unlocked configurations in which the locking member respectively prevents or permits the elongate member from being at least partially withdrawn from the first aperture. Whether the locking member maintains the apparatus in the locked or unlocked configuration depends on whether or not the magnetic key is inserted into the second aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Se-Kure Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger J. Leyden
  • Patent number: 8341987
    Abstract: A security device for locking a merchandise display rod to a support structure. The device includes a housing slidably received on the display rod and including a locking mechanism movable between a locked and an unlocked position. The housing defines a recess extending inwardly from an exterior surface thereof and perpendicularly to the linear motion of a locking member in the locking mechanism. A complementary shaped dipole magnet of a magnetic key is inserted into the recess to move the locking mechanism to the unlocked position. The security device further includes an adjustment member on a rear surface thereof. The adjustment member is engaged to compensate for different thicknesses of the support structure to which the security device is to be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventor: Keith C. Nagelski
  • Patent number: 8341988
    Abstract: A locking device for securing a structure comprising an inner body having an inner surface for attachment to the structure, an outer cover located circumferentially about the inner body, the outer cover freely rotating around the inner body in its securing configuration and a key for insertion into an opening in the outer body. First and second magnets are located in spaced apart first and second cavities within the key such that the magnets are oriented with the south pole of the first magnet and the north pole of the second magnet facing in the same direction. The magnets act on a pin within the body of the lock such that, in a first embodiment, when the key is removed from the lock body the pin is magnetically held away from contact with the inner body resulting in a free turning, locked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
  • Patent number: 8312749
    Abstract: A lock and key mechanism reduces exposure to lock picking by including an extension into a key slot to receive and conceal tapered end portions of key pins. The only portions of key pins exposed in a key slot are cylindrical portions that are difficult to move from a resting position. A key includes a beveled leading edge and a spring-loaded pin activation element at the leading edge of the key. As the key is inserted into the key slot, the spring-loaded pin activation element is compressed to permit entry into the key slot. As the pin activation element reaches a pin, an aperture in the extension allows the spring-loaded pin activation element to move toward the key pin and move the key pin from its resting position. In this activated position, the tapered end portion of the key pin is exposed for further activation by the beveled leading edge of the key. The process is repeated until the pin activation element engages and activates each successive key pin and allows full insertion of the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: GMS Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike Yueh-Ming Tong
  • Patent number: 8307995
    Abstract: Described herein is technology for, among other things, a theft deterrent apparatus for cooperation with an elongate member attached to and extending outwardly from a forward-facing side of an article display panel. The apparatus includes a housing defining an internal chamber. The housing includes a first aperture passing through the housing into the internal chamber for receiving the elongate member, a second aperture for receiving a magnetic key, and a locking member that has a magnetic portion and is movably disposed within the internal chamber. The locking member is adapted to selectively: maintain the apparatus in locked and unlocked configurations in which the locking member respectively prevents or permits the elongate member from being at least partially withdrawn from the first aperture. Whether the locking member maintains the apparatus in the locked or unlocked configuration depends on whether or not the magnetic key is inserted into the second aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Se-Kure Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrance Surma, Roger J. Leyden
  • Patent number: 8286454
    Abstract: A locking device for a merchandise display hook has an upper rod disposed along a longitudinal axis and a lower rod disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and the upper rod. The locking device includes a housing having a vertical slot adapted to receive the upper rod and the lower rod of the display hook. A bayonet is movable between a locked position in which a portion of the bayonet extends into the slot and restricts movement of at least one of the upper rod and the lower rod within the slot, and an unlocked position in which the bayonet does not extend into the slot and thereby permits movement of the upper rod and the lower rod within the slot. An elongate nose depending outwardly from the housing defines a channel that intersects the slot of the housing and receives the upper rod of the display hook with the upper rod and the lower rod disposed within the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Justin A. Richardson, John F. Roberts, Michael R. Johnston, Gregory C. Schultz
  • Patent number: 8281626
    Abstract: A security device includes a locking member, a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of cables. The cables are wrapped around an object. An attachment clip is releasably snap-fitted into the body of the security device. The ratchet mechanism includes a spool and a locking pawl or lever. A key is used to unlock the clip from the housing. An alarm system is contained in the housing and actuates an audible alarm upon certain unauthorized actions occurring. Insertion of the clip into the housing automatically actuates the ratchet mechanism preventing movement of the cable in the unwind direction and activates the alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian V. Conti, Christopher J. Fawcett, David P. Christianson, Mitchell S. Goldstein
  • Patent number: 8151606
    Abstract: A decoupling device for use in unlocking a storage container using a magnetic lock member in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a body portion, a container portion structured to receive a storage container such that the storage container remains stationary, the container portion extending from the body portion such that a portion of the storage container including the magnetic lock member extends into the body portion and a first magnet mounted in the body portion and above the storage container, the first magnet movable in a predetermined path such that movement of the first magnet in the predetermined path releases the magnetic lock member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Autronic Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederik van Koot, Timothy Keuning
  • Publication number: 20120055214
    Abstract: A locking device for securing a structure comprising an inner body having an inner surface for attachment to the structure, an outer cover located circumferentially about the inner body, the outer cover freely rotating around the inner body in its securing configuration and a key for insertion into an opening in the outer body. First and second magnets are located in spaced apart first and second cavities within the key such that the magnets are oriented with the south pole of the first magnet and the north pole of the second magnet facing in the same direction. The magnets act on a pin within the body of the lock such that, in a first embodiment, when the key is removed from the lock body the pin is magnetically held away from contact with the inner body resulting in a free turning, locked configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
  • Patent number: 8122744
    Abstract: A security device includes a locking member, a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of cables. The cables are wrapped around all six sides of a box-like article. An attachment clip is releasably snap-fitted into the body of the security device and locked. The ratchet mechanism includes a spool and a locking pawl. A top wall of the housing has a key receiving recess for positioning the key for unlocking the clip from the housing and releasing the spool. The housing has a rotatable handle for manually rotating the internal spool to further tighten the cable about the article after the cable slack is taken up by an internal spring. An alarm system in the housing actuates an audible alarm upon certain unauthorized actions. Insertion of the clip into the housing automatically actuates the ratchet mechanism preventing movement of the cable in the unwind direction and activates the alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian V. Conti, Christopher J. Fawcett, David P. Christianson, Mitchell S. Goldstein
  • Publication number: 20120031153
    Abstract: A security device is provided for attachment to an object having one or more security features for preventing unwanted removal of the security device from the object. The security device may include any one of a surveillance device, such as an electronic article surveillance tag, and an inventory device, such as a radio frequency identification tag. In a particular embodiment, the security device has at least two security features, one security feature comprises a support member that is configured to engage a head of a key, wherein the key is configured to provide a force to allow the support member to move a clip between a first state, a state that prevents the release of a pin from the clip, and a second state, a state whereby the clip allows the release of the pin from the clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Brian V. Conti
  • Publication number: 20110048084
    Abstract: A lock and key mechanism reduces exposure to lock picking by including an extension into a key slot to receive and conceal tapered end portions of key pins. The only portions of key pins exposed in a key slot are cylindrical portions that are difficult to move from a resting position. A key includes a beveled leading edge and a spring-loaded pin activation element at the leading edge of the key. As the key is inserted into the key slot, the spring-loaded pin activation element is compressed to permit entry into the key slot. As the pin activation element reaches a pin, an aperture in the extension allows the spring-loaded pin activation element to move toward the key pin and move the key pin from its resting position. In this activated position, the tapered end portion of the key pin is exposed for further activation by the beveled leading edge of the key. The process is repeated until the pin activation element engages and activates each successive key pin and allows full insertion of the key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: GMS Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike Yueh-Ming Tong
  • Publication number: 20100300992
    Abstract: Described herein is technology for, among other things, a theft deterrent apparatus for cooperation with an elongate member attached to and extending outwardly from a forward-facing side of an article display panel. The apparatus includes a housing defining an internal chamber. The housing includes a first aperture passing through the housing into the internal chamber for receiving the elongate member, a second aperture for receiving a magnetic key, and a locking member that has a magnetic portion and is movably disposed within the internal chamber. The locking member is adapted to selectively: maintain the apparatus in locked and unlocked configurations in which the locking member respectively prevents or permits the elongate member from being at least partially withdrawn from the first aperture. Whether the locking member maintains the apparatus in the locked or unlocked configuration depends on whether or not the magnetic key is inserted into the second aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Se-Kure Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrance Surma, Roger J. Leyden
  • Publication number: 20100154493
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: XIN YANG, WEI WU
  • Patent number: 7703308
    Abstract: A securable system for displaying items of merchandise on a display board. The display system includes a lockable end assembly that engages the free end of at least one rod of a merchandise display therein. The end assembly is slidable along the rod between an unlocked position where items of merchandise may be removed therefrom and a locked position where items of merchandise cannot be removed therefrom. The end assembly is lockingly engaged with the rod by a locking mechanism that is linearly moveable within an interior chamber of the end assembly. The end assembly is provided with a specially shaped recess in its outer wall which is positioned perpendicular to the linear motion of the locking mechanism. A complementary dipole magnet key is inserted into the recess to unlock the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Invue Security Products Inc.
    Inventor: Keith C. Nagelski
  • Publication number: 20100077813
    Abstract: A security container for retaining an item of merchandise therein; said security container comprising a base, a lid, a slider within the lid, a lid hole, a slider tab extending from the slider through the lid hole, and a locking mechanism unlocked through magnetic manipulation. The slider tab is located proximate the hinged side of the lid. As a user positions a key to magnetically unlock the locking mechanism, a protrusion on the key simultaneously pushes the slider tab which unlocks internal L-shaped lock tabs from hook tabs. The slider tab is located on the hinged side of the lid for aesthetic as well as safety purposes. By hiding the security features, potential customers focus on the product within the box. Likewise, a casual thief observing from the front and sides of the container is presented with no immediate means for entry. Thus, the invention provides a more secure container for displaying upscale merchandise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Ningsheng Zhang, Kevin Kinch, Brian V. Conti
  • Publication number: 20100050710
    Abstract: A lockable container for securing assets that has an integral and internal locking mechanism and methods of use are provided. An illustrative lockable container may include first and second covers configured to move between an open position, which allows access to the asset, and a closed position, which encloses the asset. The locking mechanism of the lockable container may include a locking mate arrangement operatively coupled to at least one of the first and second covers, and a locking member that is configured to move between an unlocked position and a locked position. The entirety of the locking member may be internal to the container when the locking member is in the unlocked position. A magnetic key arrangement may interact with the locking member to move the locking member between the unlocked and locked positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: VIVA ONETIME LIMITED
    Inventors: Michael R. Lax, Agjah I. Libohova, Timothy J. Keuning, Kwong Kwok Keung
  • Publication number: 20100050715
    Abstract: A magnetic coded lock mechanism which includes a key having a plurality of recesses and a plurality of permanent magnets properly coded around the key body, a cylindrical plug having a keyway aperture, a plurality of main apertures as passages, which contain movable key pins, a plurality of auxiliary apertures as magnetic locking passages corresponding to coded key, which contain movable magnets, a plurality of fixed magnets coded around the cylindrical plug as the way for biasing the magnets and locking pins toward the keyway, and a stationary tubular cylinder having a longitudinal aperture disposed in the center for receiving the cylindrical plug, a plurality of radial main apertures as passages for mating with the main apertures of the cylindrical plug, each passage containing a driver pin with a coil spring, and radial auxiliary apertures as passages for mating with the auxiliary apertures of the cylindrical plug, each passage containing a locking pin, whereby in a locked position, the driver pins and loc
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Ming Xing Hu, Nan Zhou
  • Patent number: 7621161
    Abstract: A magnetic system for the unlocking of padlocks and locks including, a lock-cover element which together with a component fixed to a fitting allows or disallows access to a keyhole. A unlocking-key element which has the function of blocking or unblocking the lock-cover element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventors: Fabio Fontana, Massimo Fontana
  • Patent number: 7392673
    Abstract: A lock mechanism is mounted on a pair of vertically spaced merchandise display rods to prevent removal of items of merchandise supported on the lower rod. The lock mechanism includes a housing having a internal lock chamber and a pair of upper and lower slots, each receiving one of the rods therethrough. The lower slot has a side opening enabling the lower rod to pass out of the housing when the housing is pivotally moved on the upper rod to an unlocked open position. A bayonet is slidably moveable in the chamber of the housing and has an elongated slot through which both of the rods extend. A locking device has a magnetically attractable locking tine which locks the housing and bayonet in a closed locked position on the pair of rods. A magnetic key moves the tine to an unlocked position enabling the housing and bayonet to move to an unlocked open position exposing the side opening of the housing lower slot for removing the housing out of engagement with the lower rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Fawcett, Ronald M. Marsilio, Keith C. Nagelski
  • Patent number: 7360383
    Abstract: A key sheath has a casing, an attracting element and a connector. The casing is hollow and has an inserting groove, a chamber, an opening and two mounting holes. The inserting groove is defined in the front end of the casing. The chamber is defined inside the casing and is communicated with the inserting groove. The opening is defined in the rear end of the casing and is communicated with the chamber. The mounting holes are respectively formed through the top and the bottom of the casing near the rear end and are communicated with the chamber. The attracting element is magnetic, is mounted in the chamber of the casing and has a through hole aligned with the mounting holes. The connector is tubular, is connected securely to the casing and the attracting element, and extends through the mounting holes and the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Hsueh-Liang Chang
  • Patent number: 7181939
    Abstract: A key assembly includes a key, a cap and a fastener to selectively secure the cap to the key. The cap may include an opening for receiving a key ring, or other structure, therethrough. In one embodiment, the key includes a grip, and the cap and grip cooperate to enclose the key when the cap is secured in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Mike T. Andersen
  • Patent number: 7172223
    Abstract: A latching system for removably securing a first structure to a second structure. The system includes at least one magnetically permeable latch bar pivotally coupled to the first structure, and a biasing spring that pivots the latch bar to a latched position within a recess in the second structure, thereby securing the first structure to the second structure. Additionally, the system includes an unlatching tool that includes an embedded magnetized bar that generates a magnetic field around the unlatching tool. The unlatching tool can be used to pivot the latch bar to an unlatched position by placing the unlatching tool in close proximity to the latch bar such that the magnetic field exerts a rotational force on the latch bar, thereby pivoting the latch bar to the unlatched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Darrell M. Storvick, David A. Pimentel, Karl E. Nelson, Darryl F. Garrigus
  • Patent number: 7131302
    Abstract: A keyway plug that discretely provides a device for preventing a person from unlocking a tumbler lock even if the correct key is used. The present invention includes a plug member that is sized to fit entirely within a keyhole and is effective to block a key from being completely inserted into the keyhole. The plug may be removed from the keyhole through use of an extraction tool having a magnet which attracts the plug and magnetically couples the plug to the extraction tool when the tool comes into contact with the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventors: James Richard Waskiewicz, Michael Frank Yonkus
  • Patent number: 7080533
    Abstract: A magnetically coded card and a lock include a slot into which the card is inserted to operate the lock. The card has an aperture through which a card-impaling lock-in pin of the lock can pass when the card is fully inserted within the slot, thus retaining the card in the slot when the lock is unlocked and releasing the card when the lock is again locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Bruce Samuel Sedley
  • Patent number: 6948344
    Abstract: A method of decreasing resonant frequency shifting of an electrical circuit mounted on a vehicle key includes providing a frame in an opening in the head portion of a vehicle key and locating the transponder in the frame. The frame comprises substantially rigid non-metallic material, and the frame includes a support structure for supporting the transponder while decreasing forces produced on the transponder by thermal expansion and contraction of the head portion of the key, thereby decreasing shift in the resonance of the electrical circuit of the transponder. The frame, the transponder and the head portion of the key are overmolded providing an outer covering that encloses and protects the transponder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventor: David C Janssen
  • Patent number: 6840071
    Abstract: A magnetic card-operated lock has a rotatable exposed cover with a peripheral slot into which a magnetic coded operating card can by inserted for unlocking or locking the lock. The cover and principal locking components are mounted to rotate freely about a central axis between a null position and an unlocking position. A positionable weight is mounted to rotate with the cover plate and is radially separated from the axis so as to bias the cover towards various null positions under the action of gravity. There is also a card lock-in mechanism comprising a card lock-in pin that retains a card in the slot while the lock is unlocked, and a card for said lock with hole and dimple projections to retain it when inserted into the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Bruce Samuel Sedley
  • Patent number: 6817217
    Abstract: A vehicle ignition key having an ornamental element molded onto the key. The key includes a key blank and an undermold which is formed by molding a first plastic material over a portion of a key blank, defining a mounting surface for the element. The ornamental element is located on the mounting surface and secured to the heel portion of the key blank by an overmold which is formed by molding a second plastic material over the heel portion of the key blank, the undermold, and at least a portion of the element. In one embodiment, the overmold material covers substantially the entire peripheral edge of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald J. McGuire, Russell J. Winberg, Juliann Egide
  • Publication number: 20040079125
    Abstract: A key blank is provided with an enlarged head end encased in plastics material and enclosing a permanent magnet received in an opening through the key head and retained in an intermediate grommet holder, the magnet having a sufficient strength to attach the key removably to ferrous surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Gary E. Morehart, Samuel Todd Adams
  • Patent number: 6705139
    Abstract: A magnetic lock mechanism includes a magnetic lock cylinder for actuating a latch assembly. The magnetic lock cylinder includes a plurality of tumbler sockets radially distributed on an inner surface of the lock sleeve. A plurality of magnet tumblers are coaxially placed in the tumbler sockets respectively. A tubular lock rotor is rotatably and coaxially fitted in an axial rotor hole of the lock sleeve. The lock rotor has a plurality of locking holes radially distributed through a rotor wall thereof. A locker tube, having a plurality of through slots, is fittedly disposed inside an axial through hole of the lock rotor to define a keyway therethrough. A magnetic key includes a round key body and a plurality of magnets provided around the key body corresponding to the axial and radial positions of the magnet tumblers in the magnetic lock cylinder respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Lincoln Tsai
  • Patent number: 6561000
    Abstract: A safety pin and a magnetic key to actuated, loosen or tighten the pin, which incorporate means to automatically and by magnetic attraction connect a body of a cavity of a head of the pin, formed by a fixed part at an end of a road and by a movable par, by applying the key. The safety head of the pin delimits a totally closed cavity for a body of magnetic material, enable to slide axially while transmitting torque inside the cavity, provided with lateral locking means cooperating with similar means of the body, which is pressed against a bottom of the cavity by a spring supported by an upper base of the movable part, having external torque transmitting locking means for corresponding ones in the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: AT ING. S.R.L.
    Inventor: Antonio Tallarico
  • Patent number: 6550298
    Abstract: A lockset keyway cover-up mechanism is composed of a rotor, a retainer, a bushing, magnetic pins and springs adapted with a key, which is provided with an unlocking part containing multiples of magnets, characterized by that the keyway and multiples of pinholes to accommodate the springs and those magnetic pins are directly or with a rotor case cover provided on the front end of the rotor; multiples of insertion holes are provided in recess on the retainer so that the retainer holds against the end of the rotor by means of the bushing and those insertion holes of the retainer are held in position by the insertion of those magnetic pins protruding from the front face of the rotor for the through hole of the retainer to be at a location apart from the keyway, which in turn is covered up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Liang-Chin Su
  • Patent number: 6523380
    Abstract: A vehicle ignition key having an ornamental element molded onto the key. The key includes a key blank and an undermold which is formed by molding a first plastic material over a portion of a key blank, defining a mounting surface for the element. The ornamental element is located on the mounting surface and secured to the heel portion of the key blank by an overmold which is formed by molding a second plastic material over the heel portion of the key blank, the undermold, and at least a portion of the element. In one embodiment, the overmold material covers substantially the entire peripheral edge of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald J. McGuire, Russell J. Winberg, Juliann Egide
  • Publication number: 20020189306
    Abstract: A magnetic lock mechanism includes a magnetic lock cylinder for actuating a latch assembly. The magnetic lock cylinder includes a plurality of tumbler sockets radially distributed on an inner surface of the lock sleeve. A plurality of magnet tumblers are coaxially placed in the tumbler sockets respectively. A tubular lock rotor is rotatably and coaxially fitted in an axial rotor hole of the lock sleeve. The lock rotor has a plurality of locking holes radially distributed through a rotor wall thereof. A locker tube, having a plurality of through slots, is fittedly disposed inside an axial through hole of the lock rotor to define a keyway therethrough. A magnetic key includes a round key body and a plurality of magnets provided around the key body corresponding to the axial and radial positions of the magnet tumblers in the magnetic lock cylinder respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Lincoln Tsai
  • Patent number: 6481254
    Abstract: A lock device controlled by both mechanical force and magnetic force, comprising a cylinder having at least a group of mechanical pins and a group of magnetic pins; said group of magnetic pins including a slidable magnetic pin in the pin bore of the plug and a slidable metal pin in the pin bore of the shell; a key that matches with said lock device, when said key is inserted into the plug, a plurality of recesses of key match with the mechanical pins which are disposed in the pin bores of the plug; and a plurality of magnetic balls in the key match with the magnetic pins which are disposed in the pin bores of the plug; when the key is not inserted in plug, the metal pins partially extend into the pin bores of plug and bridge the shear plane between the plug and the shell by the action of a coil spring that locates in the pin bore of the shell; and polarities of the poles of the magnetic balls in the key and the opposite magnetic pins on their neighborhood faces are identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Beijing Jinweilide Lock Trade Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Zheng, Jianxin Wang
  • Patent number: 6474121
    Abstract: In a locking system constituted by a housing, a slider provided in the housing and including magnetic lock pins, and a pair of plates provided in the housing so that a magnetic card key can be inserted between the plates, a lock setting changing unit is configured such that a disc rotatable to change magnetic lock setting is inserted into at least one circular recess portion of a slider, the disc is provided with engagement means for preventing a setting tool from being relieved in the middle of changing the magnetic lock setting, the setting tool is inserted into a center hole of the rotatable disc, and after the disc is rotated by the setting tool so that the magnetic lock setting can be changed into a new magnetic lock setting position, the setting tool is allowed to be relieved from the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Keiden Sangyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyo Sakai, Osamu Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6427504
    Abstract: A method of decreasing resonant frequency shifting of an electrical circuit mounted on a vehicle key includes providing a frame in an opening in the head portion of a vehicle key and locating the transponder in the frame. The frame comprises substantially rigid non-metallic material, and the frame includes a support structure for supporting the transponder while decreasing forces produced on the transponder by thermal expansion and contraction of the head portion of the key, thereby decreasing shift in the resonance of the electrical circuit of the transponder. The frame, the transponder and the head portion of the key are overmolded providing an outer covering that encloses and protects the transponder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Janssen, Ronald J. McGuire, William P. Schuster