Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methodologies for achieving current inventory data management with an electronic access control system. An access control system provides access control data while a sealed enclosure incorporates an RFID reading system for determining the identity of respective tagged contents therein. Particularly in conjunction with the storage of controlled substances, such as some drugs utilized on an EMS vehicle, a tamper evident RFID tag is fully or partially destroyed or damaged, or otherwise impacted or affected so as to generate a changed ID, whenever the contained medicinal dosage is acquired for administration. Specific container/cap combinations accommodate various drug dosages, and are combinable with tamper evident RFID tags. Usage of tagged drugs may be tracked by reading narcotics box contents before and after a work shift. Intra-shift access and usage reports at each point of consumption maintains a complete record of custody of control.

Abstract: An electronic key may include a partial capacitor comprising a capacitive metal plate in communication with a processor. The capacitive metal plate of the partial capacitor is configured to form a capacitor with a corresponding capacitive metal plate of a lock when brought into proximity with the metal plate of the lock. Data may be transferred from the key to the lock using a capacitor formed by combining the two metal plates, wherein a common ground is established between the metal plate of the key and the metal plate of the lock through a parasitic capacitance present between the key and lock circuitry.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a tamper-evident cargo container seal bolt lock are disclosed herein. The device can include a receiving member, a conductive bolt member adapted to be snap-locked into the receiving member, and a plastic encapsulant which tethers the bolt member to the receiving member. The encapsulant can contain an electrically conductive medium, such as a wire, which runs from the receiving member to the second end the bolt. A sensory circuit disposed within the receiving member can be configured to sense whether the circuit has been interrupted (e.g., if the bolt has been cut). In the event of an interruption, the circuit can record the present time and/or date in memory. An RFID transponder disposed within the encapsulant or the receiving member can then transmit the recorded date/time to an RFID interrogator if a dispute subsequently arises as to when the lock had been broken.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a tamper-evident cargo container seal bolt lock are disclosed herein. The device can include a bolt member having a conductive medium running the axial length of the bolt, and a receiving member for locking the bolt into place. A battery-driven sensory circuit including a memory means, a processor, and a timing circuit can be disposed within the receiving member such that a continuous circuit is formed from one circuit pin over the conductive medium through the length of the bolt and back to a second pin. The sensory circuit is configured to sense whether the circuit has been interrupted (e.g., if the bolt has been cut). In the event of an interruption, the circuit can record the time and/or date in memory. This information can then be transmitted to an RFID reader/interrogator if a dispute arises as to when the lock had been broken.

Abstract: A reusable electronic seal for a trailer includes a structural enclosure configured to attach onto a shackle of a padlock with an electronic module integrated within the to enclosure. A rechargeable battery circuit with a photovoltaic cell is in communication with a battery permitting the battery to be charged by the photovoltaic cell when the voltage is low. The electronic module incorporates a microprocessor, a random number generator and a liquid crystal display which communicates with the random number generator. A shackle engagement switch is configured to engage the padlock shackle, applying a signal to the microprocessor when the padlock has been opened. When the padlock is re-latched the shackle engagement switch triggers the microprocessor to signal the random number generator to transmit a new number to the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A self-contained handle assembly for a door provides a light emitting diode which indicates whether the door is locked or unlocked. The LED blinks when the door is locked and thus provides an active reminder of the position of the deadbolt.

Abstract: A self adjusting lock system including: a lock cylinder having a direction of elongation defining an axial direction for the system and having a first and a second end; a rotatable first cylindrical plug in the lock cylinder, the first plug having an axially extending key slot from the first end of the lock cylinder; a rotatable second cylindrical plug in the lock cylinder, the second plug substantially coaxial to the first cylindrical plug; a bolt which is retractable substantially perpendicularly to the axial direction by rotation of each of the first plug and the second plug; and a control and rotation unit adapted to rotate the second plug, including: a power source, a processor; a motor; a current sensor adapted to sense motor current; and a clock adapted to measure time; wherein the control and rotation unit is adapted to sense motor current over time and to adjust operation of the lock system dependent on the sensed motor current over time.

Abstract: A multipurpose seal with a lock, including a mobile closure apparatus of a casing containing a lock and an attachment element designed to be locked in the casing. The lock includes a barrel configured to move in the casing between a locked position and an unlocked position. A remote-interrogatable electronic component including a data-storage is maintained in a housing, which passes through part of the casing and part of the lock barrel when the lock barrel is in the locked position. Thus, any rotation of the barrel from the locked position causes the component to break.

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: 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 system for securely transporting valuables enclosed in a container which responds to attempted tampering by damaging said valuables and is provided with internal control means operating as a limited-mode machine that may include at least some of the elements of a series consisting of a user such as a dispatcher, a recipient or an escort, a container, and a single remote host capable of communicating with the internal control means of said container, at least at the time of departure. The elements are interconnected via a single terminal to form a star network of stations with said station at the center. The system is characterized in that the station of at least one recipient is not a resident station but a mobile and portable station.

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: 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.

Abstract: Embodiments of an alarm system are described, which may be mounted or built-in to a bicycle or other device which is in need of anti-theft protection. A loud alarm is connected to or mounted in the protected device, and is operatively connected to either or both: a lock that anchors the device to a stationary object, and/or parts of the protected device that might be stolen or vandalized. The alarm unit is built and wired in such a way that the lock or parts of the protected device may not be significantly tampered with or removed without triggering the alarm. For example, the alarm system is adapted to sound if a bicycle lock is tampered with or if sensors transmit that a bicycle part is being moved or tampered with. Externally-mounted alarm units preferably include a weather-proof casing, which contains a unique clamping feature that makes the alarm tamper-resistant or tamper-proof.

Abstract: There is a lock for a gaming machine or other device. The lock has a plug 3 rotatable in a cylinder 1 between latched and unlatched positions. There are rolling members 9, 9A which at the latched position are radially displaceable within aligned plug and cylinder recesses 10, 11 between an outer locking position wherein said rolling member extends across a shear face 10A separating said plug 3 and cylinder 1 to hold the plug in the latched position and an inner unlocked position wherein the rolling members 9, 9A are substantially within the plug recess 10. There is a plunger movable axially within the plug 3 between a first position wherein the rolling members 9, 9A are retained in the locking position and a second position in which the rolling members 9, 9A are movable inward from the locking position to the unlocked position to allow rotation of the plug 3 from the latched to the unlatched positions.

Abstract: A security pouch for carrying confidential documents or other valuables from a sending to a remote receiving station, the pouch being adapted to inform its receiver whether at some point in the course of transit, the pouch had been intercepted and opened and then reclosed. The pouch is provided with closure means, a locking mechanism which when locked engages the closure means and secures the documents within the pouch, and an electronic module operatively coupled to this mechanism. The electronic module includes a random number generator, an elapsed time measuring unit and an LCD display to present the number and the elapsed time. When at the sending station, the sender locks the pouch containing the documents, this action triggers the generator to produce and display a random number. And it also resets the elapsed time unit which then proceeds to count time.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a lock system including a lock and a key, including: a lock housing; a rotatable member disposed in the housing, rotation of which rotatable member selectively effects locking and unlocking of the lock; blocking apparatus operatively connected to the rotatable member to prevent unlocking of the lock except upon receipt of an electrical unlocking signal; key apparatus having an end insertable in the housing and into an end of the rotatable member for rotation of the rotatable member; and apparatus to permit a portion of the rotatable member to rotate without damage to any elements of the lock if rotation of the rotatable member is attempted without receipt of the electrical unlocking signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for alternately retaining a selected one of a pair of keys and releasing the other one of the pair of keys is provided. The retained key cannot be released until the other key is again disposed in a retained position. The apparatus includes a base plate having a pair of key receptacles, a slider assembly slidably mounted on the base plate, a visitor key having a pinion gear and a home key. The slider assembly includes a pair of key retaining slots for respectively retaining each key and a rack for driving engagement by the visitor key pinion gear for effecting sliding movement of the slider assembly in response to rotation of the visitor key pinion gear. A conventional key can be secured to the home key to control use of the conventional key through the selected release and retention of the visitor key and the home key.

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: A lock monitor for fitting to lockable objects that have locks that incorporate a bolt mechanism incuding a slidable bolt and mortise. The opening of the mortise is larger in at least one dimension than the engaging face of the slidable bolt. The lock monitor comprises a status indicator, a contact member mountable to the bolt mechanism adjacent to the slidable bolt and it communication with the status indicator, and an actuating arm mountable on the slidable bolt such that the actuating arm engages the contact member when the slidable bolt is disengaged from the mortise. When the actuating arm engages the contact member it causes the status indicator to register a change in status in the lock.

Abstract: Reminder apparatus to be carried by a user with a key constructed to remind the user as to the last operation in which the key was used with respect to a lock. The key includes an operation sensor which stores the time of the last key operation, and a display which, upon manual operation of the key, displays the time of the last key operation.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle door-latch assembly for securing a door to a doorpost invention has a latch fork pivoted on the door, a support mounted on a doorpost, and a bolt projecting from the support and engageable by the fork to retain the door against the doorpost. An electric switch mounted on the support adjacent the bolt is operated by an actuating element engageable by the fork on closing of the door to actuate the switch. Thus the switch can be tucked out of the way inside the post-mounted bolt assembly where it is not exposed to the elements. In addition according to this invention the fork has a curved camming edge which slides over the actuating element. As a result the switch is actuated gently even if the door is slammed, since the camming edge, which typically extends as a spiral centered on the rotation axis of the fork, can reduce a substantial travel of the door to a small travel of the actuating element.

Abstract: A door lock includes circuitry for signalling the condition and operation of the lock. The lock has a bolt and two separate locking mechanisms, each operable to lock the bolt in its projected position. A bolt position signal switch generates a signal indicating the position of the bolt, either projected or retracted. Two lock signal switches are operated by the respective locking mechanisms to provide respective lock position signals. An intruder alarm using the lock includes a perimeter alarm subsystem, an interior alarm subsystem and an alarm conditioning control. The control is responsive to an unlocked condition of the door as signalled by the bolt position signal to disable both the perimeter and the interior alarm subsystems. When the door is locked from outside the premises protected, the control activates the perimeter and interior alarms, while locking of the door lock from inside locks the perimeter alarm only.

Abstract: This disclosure teaches a battery powered security indicating device which ttaches to the drawer of a safe. Sensors send drawer position and combination dial rotation signals to a microprocessor which in turn provides audio and or visual indication to the operator indicating when the drawer is open, when it is properly closed and when it is improperly locked.

Abstract: Apparatus for recording the opening or closing of a closure member, comprising a device for providing an electrical signal on opening or closing of the closure member or on actuation of an ancillary device associated with opening or closing of the closure member, an electronic circuit adapted to generate one of a number of unique codes on receipt of the electrical signal and to store the generated code, and a display device for displaying the generated code. In one form of the invention a reusable seal for a vehicle or container comprises a housing, and a cable secured at one end to the housing and releasably attached to the housing at the other end by a locking mechanism. Operation of the locking mechanism causes an electronic circuit in the housing to generate a random number, which is displayed by an LED display when a button is pressed. Any change in the number displayed indicates that the cable has been released. The seal can be used in the same way and can be repeatedly re-used.

Abstract: A locking member comprises a keyed cylinder 14 for a cam lever lock installed in a housing member 8 which is received within a mounting 4. The housing member 8 and mounting 4 are formed from case hardened steel. A bolt nose 19 projects from the housing member 8 and can be slid into a keeper 1. A slot in the housing member 8 can be aligned with either of two slots 12 and 13 for receipt of the cam plate 10 of the cam lever lock when the housing member 8 with the associated bolt nose 19 is in either the release position or the locking position respectively. Contactor plates 27 are provided in the wall of the mounting 4 and will be aligned with spring loaded pins held within blocks 29 to complete an electrical bridge circuit when the assembly is in either the locking or release positions so that the status of the locking member can be indicated at a remote point.

Abstract: A status indicator for a door lock which is capable of being activated by a tail piece of the door lock has a first linking member which is operatively attached to the tail piece so as to be rotated by the tail piece and a second linking member which attaches between the first linking member and the indicating member. The second linking member translates the rotational movement of the first linking member to translational movement so as to move the indicating member linearly. The indicating member is housed within a housing plate which is attached to the door by the door lock. The indicating member moves within the housing member in response to change of the lock from a locked to an unlocked status and indicates this change so as to indicate the status of the lock, whether it is locked or unlocked.

Abstract: A combination lock monitoring system for recognizing and indicating electronically the condition of operation of the lock, the recognition being achieved by photo sensitive means responding to the light reflecting quality of areas on the lock bolt mechanism, the lock drop arm and a combination wheel of the combination lock, the electronic circuit responding through a binary code to the condition of the photo sensitive means, and the indication including a visual display.

Abstract: Alarm type lock assembly comprising a cylinder having a core rotatably disposed therein, a key slot extending through the core, a plurality of bores extending into the key slot, tumblers disposed in the bores and spring biased to a first position in which the tumblers prevent rotative movement of the core, a key adapted to enter the slot and operative to move the tumblers to a second position to permit rotative movement of the core, and contact points aligned with the tumblers and in circuit with an alarm means, the tumblers being movable to a third position in which the tumblers engage the contact points to energize the alarm means and prevent opening operation of the lock.

Abstract: A key operated switch lock assembly comprising one tumbler lock, a plurality of rotary switches, and at least one key. The switches are supported rearward of a lock housing of the lock, and the key has an elongated portion which protrudes rearward of the lock housing. Each switch comprises a base plate having a pair of spaced stationary contacts, a rotary disk having a moving contact, and a casing to receive the disk and the base plate. The elongated key portion has at least one operating projection which can turn the disk. When the disk is rotated through a given angle, the moving contact comes into contact with one of the stationary contacts. The other of the stationary contacts always touches the moving contact. The key operated switch lock assembly is used for controlling the operation of important devices such as an electronic computer and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a door-locking and release system in a building in which system a door is adapted to be held locked by a component removably affixed thereto. Said component is adapted to operate an electrical circuit, such as to deactivate off an alarm circuit, only when detached from the door to provide an indication that the door is in the unlocked condition.