Abstract: A combination lock and padlock combination as a lock is disclosed that includes a spring-biased pivot assembly comprising a locking dog and an engagement member; a push button pivotably disposed on the pivot assembly; a U-shaped shackle comprising a slotted leg for locking the locking dog; a spring-biased L-shaped catch assembly comprising a sliding member at one end and a tab projected from the other end; and a spring-biased opening warning assembly pivotably provided in the housing and comprising a locked mark at one end exposed at a window in a locked position of the lock and an open mark adapted to switch with the locked mark. Once the lock is opened by a key by one of a number of persons sharing the lock, the open mark is exposed on the window and other person(s) may be aware of same by seeing the open mark.

Abstract: A doorknob and lock light assembly for providing a useful light when for a user attempting to place a key in the lock. The doorknob and lock light assembly includes a door lock assembly including a handle being adapted to be securely attached to a door; and also includes a light-emitting assembly being attached to the door lock assembly and including a battery being disposed in the handle and also including light-emitting members being attached to the handle and being connected with wires to the battery; and further includes a sensor/switch assembly being attached to the door lock assembly and being connected to the battery.

Abstract: A padlock includes a housing, a shackle, a number lock mechanism, a key lock mechanism, a movable block, and an identification member. Thus, the identification member is exposed outward from the window of the limit knob after the padlock has been unlocked by an inspector of the customs for checking the luggage so as to remind a user to inspect if contents of the luggage that has been opened and checked are missed or lost.

Abstract: Provided is a combination lock and padlock combination comprising a housing include a window; a tumbler wheel assembly; a cylindrical moveable bar inserted through the tumbler wheels; a locking mechanism including a U-shaped member fixed at the bar, a rectangular shuttle member having a central opening, a projection at one side, a spring biased extension at the other side inserted through the shuttle member, and an arcuate recess at an end of the extension, and a parallelepiped indicator assembly fitted in a cavity proximate a shackle receiving hole and including a latch, an internal spring having one end urged against a wall of the cavity, and an indicating face on its top; a U-shaped shackle having an annular groove proximate one end being in contact with the recess; and a cylindrical key turning assembly co-acted with the shuttle member.

Abstract: A padlock for luggage that can be operated by setting a combination or by inserting and turning a key is provided with an indicator that normally displays a first state when the lock being used in a normal way as a combination operated padlock, but which displays a second state if the padlock has been opened by utilizing a key.

Abstract: An apparatus indicates the closure state of a key-operated lock, having a housing that is fitted to the key and has a rotation detection sensor which is held therein and comprises a hollow body that is filled with a first electrically conductive liquid and has electrically conductive contacts for production of electrical contact sequences which are dependent on the closing direction, and having an electronic evaluation unit which uses the contact sequences to determine the closure state of the lock. The hollow body is substantially completely filled with the first electrically conductive liquid and with a second electrically non-conductive fluid that repels the first liquid.

Abstract: A conventional mortise lock is provided with a visual status indicator to show whether the room is occupied or vacant. The mortise lock output, which operates the deadbolt, is used to linearly move an indicator slide positioned on the outside of the door by a rotating indicator spindle which is in communication with the mortise lock output and indicator slide. The visual status indicator has an opening which is covered by a transparent high strength, impact resistant material such as LEXAN plastic. A preferred embodiment combines the outer lever door handle controller and visual status indicator in a single housing.

Abstract: The key with a lock-unlock indicator is operable with a complementary lock set. The key has a body and an elongated key stem extending therefrom. A toggle bar is pivotally mounted or disposed on the key stem. The toggle bar operates in conjunction with a lock cam and an unlock cam mounted on the face of the complementary lock set. When the operator turns the key in one direction, the lock cam motivates the toggle bar thereby shifting its position. An indicator disposed in the key body displaying a lock condition and an unlock condition. The lock cam is shielded with a retractable shield.

Abstract: A locking cover plate can be selectively locked in position on a stortz pipe end fitting or can be unlocked and removed for access to the open pipe end. The cover plate includes a sliding plate that is driven laterally outward into a deployed state by rotating a drive bolt. The drive bolt is coupled to the sliding plate through a torque limiting coupling that transfers the rotation of the drive bolt to translating movement of the latch bar with a cam plate. Movement of the sliding plate is indicated through a front of the cover plate such that the user can identify whether the cover plate is locked on a fitting or simply placed on the fitting without the lock engaged.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for coupling a first spindle to a second spindle. The clutch assembly has a first disc connectable to the first spindle. A first finger is operatively coupled to the first disc and pivotable between a first engaged position and a first disengaged position. The first finger opposes rotation of the first disc in a first direction when the first finger is in the first engaged position. A second disc is connectable to the second spindle. The second disc pivots the first finger from the first engaged position to the first disengaged position when the second disc is rotated in the first direction through a first range of angular positions and rotates the first disk in the first direction when the second disc is rotated beyond the first range of angular positions.

Abstract: The key with a lock-unlock indicator is operable with a complementary lock set. The key has a body and an elongated key stem extending therefrom. A toggle bar is pivotally mounted or disposed on the key stem. The toggle bar operates in conjunction with a lock cam and an unlock cam mounted on the face of the complementary lock set. When the operator turns the key in one direction, the lock cam motivates the toggle bar thereby shifting its position. An indicator disposed in the key body displaying a lock condition and an unlock condition.

Abstract: An anti-vandal door lock apparatus in which a cylinder lock such as a mortise lock cylinder is employed for unlatching a cylindrical lock assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the mortise lock cylinder is mounted to the outside of a door trim such as a pull plate, with the cylindrical lock mounted to the inside of the trim, and the pull plate is mounted to the door, in such manner as to effect an anti-vandal door lock assembly. Preferred embodiments may include a hold-back feature, as well as a feature for facilitating secured removal of the mortise lock cylinder as for re-keying.

Abstract: An indicating lock for a rimless glass door is composed of a seat assembly, a driving member, a latching member, an indicating ring, and a clamping member. The seat assembly has an interior seat and an exterior seat. The driving member has an interior disk and an exterior disk. Multiple magnetic elements are installed in the interior disk and the exterior disk with opposite polarities. By using the magnetic force, the indicating lock can be securely and easily installed on a rimless glass door without cutting the glass of the door. An indicating ring is provided between the exterior disk and the exterior seat. Those outside the door can conveniently know whether the door is locked by observing the indicating ring.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to methods, processes and decisions on test outcomes for testing for faulty, therefor dangerous, performance of zero speed indicators that are used to control the opening of barriers guarding moving machine components. The indicators may be tested by removing them from the components during operation without shutting down production or in certain situations the indicators may be tested during the run down phase of the components caused by machine stop initiations. The tests allow to anticipate and hence prevent hazardous opening of barriers due to a faulty zero speed indication. Additionally, the invention is directed to testing of the insertion of motion interference devices in conjunction with zero speed indicators, both of which must perform correctly in order to permit the unlocking and opening of the protective barrier. There are included various exemplary devices for effecting the testing function.

Abstract: A padlock for luggage that can be operated by setting a combination or by inserting and turning a key is provided with an indicator that normally displays a first state when the lock being used in a normal way as a combination operated luggage padlock, but which displays a second state if the padlock has been opened by government inspectors utilizing a key for purposes of inspecting contents of the luggage. The indicator can be reset from a display of the second state to a display of the first state only after the padlock has been opened utilizing a combination known to the owner. The indicator is movable between first and second positions, and has first and second surfaces of different appearance, one or the other of which is displayed through a window of the housing depending on whether the indicator is in the first position or the second position.

Abstract: An anti-vandal door lock apparatus in which a cylinder lock such as a mortise lock cylinder is employed for unlatching a cylindrical lock assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the mortise lock cylinder is mounted to the outside of a door trim such as a pull plate, with the cylindrical lock mounted to the inside of the trim, and the pull plate is mounted to the door, in such manner as to effect an anti-vandal door lock assembly. Preferred embodiments may include a hold-back feature, as well as a feature for facilitating secured removal of the mortise lock cylinder as for re-keying.

Abstract: A security alarm system that may be selectively armed or disarmed when monitoring a protective premises is described which utilizes the position of an entry door to determine whether the security system should be armed or disarmed. The security system comprises (i) an entry door for permitting ingress to the protected premises from the outside of the entry door and egress from the protected premises from the inside of the door; (ii) means for selectively closing and opening the entry door; and (iii) a switch having a first state indicative of the entry door being in a closed position and a second state indicative of the entry door being in an open position wherein, when the switch is in its first state, the security system is armed and, when the switch is in its second state, the security system is disarmed.

Abstract: A conventional mortise lock is provided with a visual status indicator to show whether the room is occupied or vacant. The mortise lock output, which operates the deadbolt, is used to linearly move an indicator slide positioned on the outside of the door by a rotating indicator spindle which is in communication with the mortise lock output and indicator slide. The visual status indicator has an opening which is covered by a transparent high strength, impact resistant material such as LEXAN plastic. A preferred embodiment combines the outer lever door handle controller and visual status indicator in a single housing.

Abstract: A locking cover plate can be selectively locked in position on a stortz pipe end fitting or can be unlocked and removed for access to the open pipe end. The cover plate includes a sliding plate that is driven laterally outward into a deployed state by rotating a drive bolt. The drive bolt is coupled to the sliding plate through a torque limiting coupling that transfers the rotation of the drive bolt to translating movement of the latch bar with a cam plate. Movement of the sliding plate is indicated through a front of the cover plate such that the user can identify whether the cover plate is locked on a fitting or simply placed on the fitting without the lock engaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for simultaneously securing both ends of a door with a single locking action. An electric solenoid motor is used to move a first deadbolt into a locked position and an associated locking bar simultaneously moves a second deadbolt at the other end of the door into a locked position.

Abstract: A burglar-proof device designed to be fixed on one surface of a receiving wall located in or proximate to at least part of the periphery of an opening panel such as a door or a shutter, includes an elongated tubular element (7, 25) having a support wall (8) urged to be supported on the receiving surface (5), at least a fixing member (12, 12a) passing through a passage provided in the support wall (8) of the elongated element and which is fixed on the opening panel (2), at least an elastic return member (15) arranged in the elongated element, and at least a movement sensor mounted in the elongated element and co-operating with the receiving wall, so that, when the elongated element is stressed to counter the elastic member and moves away from the receiving wall, the movement sensor is capable of delivering an electric signal.

Abstract: An apparatus indicates the closure state of a key-operated lock, having a housing that is fitted to the key and has a rotation detection sensor which is held therein and comprises a hollow body that is filled with a first electrically conductive liquid and has electrically conductive contacts for production of electrical contact sequences which are dependent on the closing direction, and having an electronic evaluation unit which uses the contact sequences to determine the closure state of the lock. The hollow body is substantially completely filled with the first electrically conductive liquid and with a second electrically non-conductive fluid that repels the first liquid.

Abstract: A locking cover plate can be selectively locked in position on a stortz pipe end fitting or can be unlocked and removed for access to the open pipe end. The cover plate includes a sliding plate that is driven laterally outward into a deployed state by rotating a drive bolt. The drive bolt is coupled to the sliding plate through a torque limiting coupling that transfers the rotation of the drive bolt to translating movement of the latch bar with a cam plate. Movement of the sliding plate is indicated through a front of the cover plate such that the user can identify whether the cover plate is locked on a fitting or simply placed on the fitting without the lock engaged.

Abstract: A lock with sensor comprises a housing defining a chamber and a latch mechanism located within the chamber of the housing. The latch mechanism is movable relative to the housing between a retracted position wherein the latch mechanism is substantially within the housing and an extended position wherein the latch mechanism extends at least partially outside of the housing. A sensor mechanism is provided and has a fixed switch portion located within the chamber and a movable switch activator portion, the switch activator portion being mounted so as to move with the latch mechanism and thereby activate and deactivate the switch portion respectively.

Abstract: An electronic lock device includes provision for setting different bolt or latch extension lengths, to accommodate different door lock situations. In addition, the bolt or latch itself preferably is interchangeable for bolts or latches of different sizes or configurations, including switching a latch for a bolt or vice versa. The bolt or latch extension can be settable via a keypad or ibutton. In the preferred embodiments the lock units include a D.C. geared micromotor, which is also included in other electronic lock units disclosed.

Abstract: A lighted deadbolt according to the present invention includes a lock cylinder and a cylinder guard, a light assembly including a light source, a wiring harness including a plurality of wires electrically connected to the light source, and an annular adapter. The adapter includes a housing for receiving the light source and an annular channel for guiding the plurality of wires from the light source. The annular adapter includes a first surface, a wall extending orthogonally from the first surface, and a first plurality of tabs extending from the first surface generally parallel to the wall. The plurality of wires are operatively disposed between the first plurality of tabs and the wall. The adapter further includes a pair of fingers extending from the surface for receiving a sound producing device and a second plurality of tabs extending from the wall. The plurality of wires electrically couple the light source to the sound producing device.

Abstract: A sensor for an interconnected lock assembly which can sense whether the door is in an opened or closed state. The interconnected lock assembly comprises a first lock assembly operably connected to a deadlatch assembly. A second lock assembly operably interconnected with the first lock assembly by a rack mounted on a carrier component. The second lock assembly is operably connected to a deadbolt latch assembly. The deadbolt latch assembly 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 lock assembly further includes a sensor component positioned within said deadlatch assembly in a predetermined manner to detect when said door is an open or closed position. The information is relayed to an electronic control module.

Abstract: A locking cover plate can be selectively locked in position on a stortz pipe end fitting or can be unlocked and removed for access to the open pipe end. The cover plate includes a sliding plate that is driven laterally outward into a deployed state by rotating a drive bolt. The drive bolt is coupled to the sliding plate through a torque limiting coupling that transfers the rotation of the drive bolt to translating movement of the latch bar with a cam plate. Movement of the sliding plate is indicated through a front of the cover plate such that the user can identify whether the cover plate is locked on a fitting or simply placed on the fitting without the lock engaged.

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.

Abstract: A locked/unlocked indicator for a key that shows whether a person has locked a door lock or any type of lock. It has a base member having a window formed in its top surface that communicates with a channel formed in its bottom surface. A slide member has a thumb tab that extends upwardly through the aperture that allows it to be slid back and forth between a position that indicates whether the door lock is locked or unlocked. The bottom of the slide member is a spring member that has curved lips on its front and rear end that make an audible sound when the slide member reaches both the locked and the unlocked position. The base member has adhesive on its bottom surface for attachment to the head member of a key.

Abstract: A locked/unlocked indicator for a key that shows whether a person has locked a door lock or any type of lock. The indicator has a base member having a window formed in the top surface that communicates with a channel formed in the bottom surface. A slide member has a thumb tab that extends upwardly through the aperture that allows the slide member to be slid back and forth between a position that indicates whether the door lock is locked or unlocked. The bottom of the slide member is a spring member that has curved lips on the front and rear end that make an audible sound when the slide member reaches both the locked and the unlocked position. The base member has adhesive on the bottom surface for attachment to the head member of a key.

Abstract: A lock core mechanism with alarm function in the invention comprises a lock core body having a core plate disposed therein, a projecting rod, a core cover-plate, a housing, an electric circuit plate, a follower member, and an actuating elastic assembly having a contact member and an elastic member. The electric circuit plate will sound when a picking tool is inserted to push the projecting rod downwards to touch against an actuating piece of the electric circuit plate, or when a special tool is inserted to forcedly rotate the follower member to make the elastic member touch against the contact member. The electric circuit plate will not be activated to sound for alarm only when a matching key is inserted to push the projection rod downwards to touch against the actuating piece, and simultaneously turned to rotate the follower member to make the elastic member touch against the contact member.

Abstract: A locking cover plate can be selectively locked in position on a stortz pipe end fitting or can be unlocked and removed for access to the open pipe end. The cover plate includes a sliding plate that is driven laterally outward into a deployed state by rotating a drive bolt. The drive bolt is coupled to the sliding plate through a torque limiting coupling that transfers the rotation of the drive bolt to translating movement of the latch bar with a cam plate. Movement of the sliding plate is indicated through a front of the cover plate such that the user can identify whether the cover plate is locked on a fitting or simply placed on the fitting without the lock engaged.

Abstract: The SMIF pod includes a base having a cassette that may receive one or more wafers in preparation for transferring the wafers. The base includes a plurality of first openings formed on the side surfaces for a latch mechanism. The base includes a window formed on a surface of the base for an operator to read the state of the container. A box having second openings one to one corresponding to said first openings for the latch mechanism with latch member to penetrate through them while in the lock state. An indicator presents a first mark for indicating the locked state at the window or presents a second mark at the window for indicating the unlocked state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective-door handle for a protective door which is fitted with at least one safety tumbler and is intended for a protective region of a machine, mechanical installation or the like, having a central leg and two side legs which are connected thereto and can be fastened to the protective door, the central leg having a hole which opens into a wiring opening opened to the outer circumference of the central leg, there being inserted into the hole a release element which is intended for unlocking the safety tumbler and whose electric connections are connected in the wiring opening to corresponding supply lines, the wiring opening being plugged with a casting compound.

Abstract: A positioning-sounding device for a card puller, it generates a sound when an inserting and extracting member (an extended card) in the card puller is inserted in position to make sure that the member has been in position. Wherein, a sounding device is mounted in a slide groove of an insertion seat and has a slide block and an elastic element both can slide in the slide groove; thereby, when the inserting and extracting member is moved inwardly of a channel of the insertion seat, it drives the slide block inwardly to compress the elastic element. When the inserting and extracting member is in position, the slide block is abutted against and is released from the inserting and extracting member and is elastically restored to its original position by the elastic element to collide with the inner wall of the slide groove indicating that the inserting and extracting member is surely inserted in position.

Abstract: Pop-Up Indicator, Replacement Lock-Cylinder with distinctive keys for owner, employee (or acquaintance), and some third party whose right to enter is legitimate only upon notice or in an emergency. The pop-up indicators are brightly and differently colored. The lock cannot be circumvented by pressing a pop-up in and endeavoring to turn the key, because the pop-up's barrel blocks rotation of the lock's core unless the pop-up is fully extended. Once triggered, the pop-up remains visible and in locked position until the lock owner resets it. A tactile indicator of sought entry is transmitted to the owner upon key insertion and rotation, as well. Meanwhile, the employee and/or third party enjoys unimpeded access. The owner will thus know whether the employee has been over—to inspect for termites, walk the dog, etc.—and the third party cannot allege lockout lease breaking. The lock operates quite normally with either or both pop-ups triggered.

Abstract: An electronic lock device includes provision for setting different bolt or latch extension lengths, to accommodate different door lock situations. In addition, the bolt or latch itself preferably is interchangeable for bolts or latches of different sizes or configurations, including switching a latch for a bolt or vice versa. The bolt or latch extension can be settable via a keypad or ibutton. In the preferred embodiments the lock units include a D.C. geared micromotor, which is also included in other electronic lock units disclosed.

Abstract: A lighted deadbolt according to the present invention includes a lock cylinder and a cylinder guard, a light assembly including a light source, a wiring harness including a plurality of wires electrically connected to the light source, and an annular adapter. The adapter includes a housing for receiving the light source and an annular channel for guiding the plurality of wires from the light source. The annular adapter includes a first surface, a wall extending orthogonally from the first surface, and a first plurality of tabs extending from the first surface generally parallel to the wall. The plurality of wires are operatively disposed between the first plurality of tabs and the wall. The adapter further includes a pair of fingers extending from the surface for receiving a sound producing device and a second plurality of tabs extending from the wall. The plurality of wires electrically couple the light source to the sound producing device.

Abstract: An illuminated combination pad lock that illuminates in response to pressing in the combination dial or raising the shackle although still in the locked position. The illumination ceases in response to release of the combination dial or the shackle.

Abstract: An illuminated combination pad lock that illuminates in response to pressing in the combination dial or raising the shackle although still in the locked position. The illumination ceases in response to release of the combination dial or the shackle.

Abstract: An electronic door control and light for permitting push-button and/or remote opening of a door and lighting of an area proximate the doorway. The electronic door control and light includes a control panel assembly designed for coupling to a building, a door latch assembly having a door jarring assembly and a latch mechanism, and at least one light operationally coupled to the control panel assembly. In an embodiment, a remote unit has a transmitter and the control panel assembly has a receiver for selectively activating the door latch assembly and light. In an embodiment, the control panel assembly has individual switches for facilitating selective activation of the door latch assembly and the light.

Abstract: A lock with sensor comprises a housing defining a chamber and a latch mechanism located within the chamber of the housing. The latch mechanism is movable relative to the housing between a retracted position wherein the latch mechanism is substantially within the housing and an extended position wherein the latch mechanism extends,at least partially outside of the housing. A sensor mechanism is provided and has a fixed switch portion located within the chamber and a movable switch activator portion, the switch activator portion being mounted so as to move with the latch mechanism and thereby activate and deactivate the switch portion respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a signal in response to the actuation of an internal lock mechanism for a door latch to a locked condition of the door latch and for detecting the locked condition when the door is in a closed position with the door latch bolt in the door jamb. Detection apparatus is located in the door jamb and senses the lock signal and in turn can provide a signal locally or to a remote security or surveillance system indicating the locked or unlocked condition of the latch bolt when the door is in the closed position.

Abstract: A sensor for an interconnected lock assembly which can sense whether the door is in an opened or closed state. The interconnected lock assembly comprises a first lock assembly operably connected to a deadlatch assembly. A second lock assembly operably interconnected with the first lock assembly by a rack mounted on a carrier component. The second lock assembly is operably connected to a deadbolt latch assembly. The deadbolt latch assembly 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 lock assembly further includes a sensor component positioned within said deadlatch assembly in a predetermined manner to detect when said door is an open or closed position. The information is relayed to an electronic control module.

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.

Abstract: A system is provided for sensing the presence of a standard component of a locking mechanism of a door of a trailer when the door is moved to the closed position and is secured. A sensor is provided on the trailer proximate to the locking mechanism. The sensor automatically reacts when a ferrous target comes within its sensing range. Control circuitry on the trailer processes and uses signals from the sensor to perform various functions.

Abstract: A lock with sensor comprises a housing defining a chamber and a latch mechanism located within the chamber of the housing. The latch mechanism is movable relative to the housing between a retracted position wherein the latch mechanism is substantially within the housing and an extended position wherein the latch mechanism extends at least partially outside of the housing. A sensor mechanism is provided and has a fixed switch portion located within the chamber and a movable switch activator portion, the switch activator portion being mounted so as to move with the latch mechanism and thereby activate and deactivate the switch portion respectively.

Abstract: An in-flight meal server 1 comprises a door 20 supported by a hinge 22 at the opening of a box-shaped main body 10. A main latch device 100 for locking the door 20 to the main body 10 has a handle 110, and when the handle 110 is pulled up, a lever 120 rises and pulls out the bolt from a catch in the main body side. The plural bolts may be operated through a link mechanism connected to the lever 120, but the bolt of an auxiliary latch device 150 may also be locked by operating a knob 180 manually. When the link mechanism fails, the door is locked manually.

Abstract: A key lock for use on a storage device, primarily a tool box, tool chest or workstation, having integral status indicators for giving a visual indication of whether the storage device is in a locked or unlocked condition. The key lock is preferably comprised of a core portion housing the internal workings of the lock mechanism and a shell portion, which surrounds at least a part of the core portion. At least one LED is secured in the shell portion. A face portion is attached to one end of the core portion, and is designed to receive a key. The other end of the core portion is adapted for attachment to other lock system components. The indicators on the key lock provide visual verification of the locked or unlocked status of the storage device, without the need to manually check each compartment.