Attention-directing Patents (Class 70/441)
  • Patent number: 8680996
    Abstract: A lock has a body holding a locking member that can be locked to or released from the body by, for example, operation of a key. The lock includes an alarm that is triggered by the locking of the locking member. If, however, the lock is unlocked and relocked within a predetermined time interval, the alarm is disarmed. In this way, the lock can remain locked but with the alarm disarmed. The signals that cause the alarm to arm and disarm can be produced in any convenient way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Xena IP Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Ivan Foti
  • Patent number: 8146396
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking cylinder with a longitudinal housing, said housing containing a control sensor for triggering an electrical switch for detection of introduction of a key into the cylinder, said sensor being slideably mounted parallel to the axis (A) of introduction of the key, the front end section of the sensor, which may be pushed by the key, cooperates with the housing means to form a ramp to cause a displacement of said front end section in a direction inclined with relation to the axis (A) between a lower idle position and an upper trigger position in which the housing (2) further contains a switch trigger means, in contact with the rear end of the sensor, said trigger means being only able to move parallel to the axis (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventor: Fabrice Giacomin
  • Publication number: 20110259063
    Abstract: A lock has a body (10) holding a locking member (11) that can be locked to or released from the body (10) by, for example, operation of a key (21). The lock includes an alarm (25) that is triggered by the locking of the locking member (11). If, however, the lock is unlocked and relocked within a predetermined time interval, the alarm (25) is disarmed. In this way, the lock can remain locked but with the alarm (25) disarmed. The signals that cause the alarm (25) to arm and disarm can be produced in any convenient way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Ivan Foti
  • Publication number: 20110121631
    Abstract: A locking mechanism comprises an elongate body having first and second rails each having a first end and a second end and a void disposed therebetween. Lock slots are disposed in the first end of each rail and a pad is connected to each of the rails at the second ends to join the first and second rails. A mid bar is rotatably connected to the first and second rails and positioned within the void. An extension is disposed on a second end of the mid bar, wherein the extension provides a visual indication of both a locked state and an unlocked state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Michael A. Nolan, William J. Luebke
  • Publication number: 20100039260
    Abstract: A lock having a body, a face, a shackle and an audio and/or a visual system. The audio system includes a speaker system and a controller, and the visual system includes an indicator light and a controller. The systems also employ a battery and a battery indicator light, e.g., an LED, indicating when the battery needs to be replaced. The audio system emits an audible sequence and the visual system emits a light sequence when the lock is unlocked, reminding a user to lock the lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Sanford BOSIN
  • Publication number: 20090242696
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for locking a movable component of an aircraft. The device includes an electronic tag adapted for receiving a polling signal and returning an identification signal. The present invention also involves an on-board system allowing for detection of such locking devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: AIRBUS
    Inventor: Richard Wilby
  • Patent number: 7594416
    Abstract: A lock having a body, a face, a shackle and an audio and/or a visual system. The audio system includes a speaker system and a controller, and the visual system includes an indicator light and a controller. The systems also employ a battery and a battery indicator light, e.g., an LED, indicating when the battery needs to be replaced. The audio system emits an audible sequence and the visual system emits a light sequence when the lock is unlocked, reminding a user to lock the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Sandford Bosin
  • Patent number: 7543467
    Abstract: This invention relates to a portable locking device having a wireless transmitter that transmits the condition of the locking device to the receiver of a security system. The locking device comprises non-rigid cable so that it can be easily connected to various objects. Cutting the cable triggers prevents power from reaching the wireless transmitter, and the lack of signal triggers the security system to issue an alarm. The portable locking device comprises parallel armed and disarmed circuits to supply electricity to the wireless transmitter, but the armed circuit is broken if the lock is tampered with or compromised when locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas R. Sheehan
  • Patent number: 7467531
    Abstract: By providing an automatically activated positive indicator or signal which is responsive to only the use of a master key, a padlock construction is achieved which is highly effective for providing notice to the user whenever the padlock has been opened by said master key. In accordance with the present invention, the positive indicator or signal is constructed for being automatically activated whenever the master key is employed, with said indicator or signal being locked in its activated position, and capable of being re-set by only the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: The Sun Lock Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Lai, Karl Lai
  • Patent number: 7316137
    Abstract: The handcuff assembly includes a bow pivotally connected to a cheek plate frame assembly which includes a base frame. A removable lockset assembly for locking a pawl relative to ratchet teeth on the bow and including a slideable lock bar is received in the base frame. The lock bar has a lock setting slot therethrough for receiving an actuating pin to move the lock bar from a single lockposition to a double lock position. A key receiving structure on each side of the lockset assembly is provided for receiving a key and enabling the key to turned in one direction only for first unlocking a double-lock, which prevents movement of the bow in either direction and for secondly, completely unlocking the handcuff by moving the pawl away from the bow and against a spring mechanism. The lock bar has a color that contrasts with the color of the frame of the handcuff to indicate any one of several things, such as type of lock mechanism and a status of the lock bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Parsons
  • Patent number: 7316136
    Abstract: The handcuff assembly includes a bow pivotally connected to a cheek plate frame assembly which includes a unitized frame that is die stamped from a single metal plate and which is overmolded with a polymer overmold. The unitized frame has interlocking tabs on folded side plates of a base frame. A removable lockset assembly for locking a pawl relative to ratchet teeth on the bow and including a slideable lock bar is received in the base frame. A key receiving structure on each side of the lockset assembly is provided for receiving a key and enabling the key to turned in one direction only for first unlocking a double-lock, which prevents movement of the bow in either direction and for secondly, completely unlocking the handcuff by moving the pawl away from the bow and against a spring mechanism. Beveled lock slots and keyways are provided in opposite flat side walls of the base frame for facilitating insertion of a handcuff key into the lockset assembly in the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Parsons
  • Patent number: 7134302
    Abstract: A security device includes a carrier for a tell-tale provision having electro-magnetic characteristics. The device is adapted to be releasably secured to an article to be protected, in particular to the shaft of a golf club, in a tamper-resilient manner and to retain the tell-tale provision in a spaced relationship from the article. In this way any adverse magnetic effects on the tell-tale provision by ferromagnetic parts of the article are avoided. Preferably, the tell-tale provision is spaced at least 3 mm from the article to which the device is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Sports-Tag Limited
    Inventor: Alan Jeffrey Gorst
  • Patent number: 6932486
    Abstract: A standard mortise latch lock escutcheon or trim plate having an aperture for housing an electroluminescent strip captured within a two-piece lens structure. A dc or ac external power supply converter is used in conjunction with the existing grid power. The converter is situated on the mortise lock casing. The electroluminescent strip is captured within the lens structure along with partially transparent, lettered signage. The lens structure has an outer lens with a protrusion to align the signage within the aperture. The lettered signage is reversed lettered, such that light emits through the letters and is blocked by an opaque background when the electroluminescent strip is supplied power. In instances where the mortise latch lock is used on doors for purposes other than egress, a switch may be used to toggle power to the signage when the thumb lever is turned in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Sargent Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Darren C. Eller, Jay Krajewski
  • Patent number: 6568225
    Abstract: A theftproof lock device for a suitcase includes a housing, and a closure plate mounted on an opened side of the housing, and further includes multiple number wheel sets, two opposite press members, a drive plate, a slide, and a circuit board each mounted between the housing and the closure plate. Thus, the number wheel of the number wheel set for controlling the alarm may be rotated to an erroneous position, so as to start the alarm easily, thereby providing a theftproof effect. In addition, the number wheel of the number wheel set for controlling the alarm may be rotated to a correct position, thereby closing the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Hung-yi Chang
  • Patent number: 6516643
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Cohnitz Olshausen
  • Patent number: 6517376
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Hwa Hwang
  • Patent number: 6237378
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an anti-theft device notably for a motor vehicle. The anti-theft device includes an electrical switch for the detection of key insertion into the anti-theft device. A pusher also included in the anti-theft device slides in both the proximal and distal directions parallel to a key insertion axis. The pusher activates the switch by using an elastic force that tends to move the pusher back against a stop, which holds the pusher in a retracted rest position when the key is withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventor: Louis Canard
  • Patent number: 6230530
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a control switch of a machine, such as an ignition switch of a motor vehicle, and with a locking device that is used to secure the machine when the machine is not in operation includes a covering that is detachably-attachable with respect to the control switch and the locking device. The covering is disposed in one of two positions. It is disposed in a first position over the control switch so as to prevent use of the control switch when the locking device is attached to the machine or it is disposed in a second position over a portion of the locking device so as to prevent use of the locking device when the locking device is not attached to the machine. When the covering is disposed over the control switch it serves as a reminder indicating that the locking device is attached to the machine. Alternative embodiments are described that provide various ways for making the covering and for attaching it to the control switch and to the locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventors: Che Ram Souza Voigt, Ronald Glen Bond
  • Patent number: 6082160
    Abstract: A reminder device attachable to a key ring and engageable with a key shaft to prevent the utilization of the key and thus remind the user of a task to be performed. The device is designed from a single piece of clear flexible plastic, which can be repeatedly stretched. At one end of the clear flexible plastic is a tube (10). The tube (10) has a inner opening (12) and a outer opening (14). At the other end of the clear flexible plastic is a ring terminal (16), which has a hole (18) at the center. At the middle of the clear flexible plastic is a thin bridge (20), which connects tube (10) to the ring terminal (16). The ring terminal (16) attaches to the key ring and the tube (10) is selectively engageable with a key shaft of a key on the key ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Russell W. Martyniak
  • Patent number: 6047577
    Abstract: A door lock particularly suited for an apartment or condominium where the resident has an entry key and management personnel also have a key that will allow access to the apartment, the door lock having a spring loaded axial pin which is retained in an externally visible position when the lock is actuated by the resident's key and which is released to an externally non-visible position when the lock is actuated by the management key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Frank Klimas
  • Patent number: 5996383
    Abstract: An electronic module which is located between the plug cover and the front flange of the cylinder body has light and motion sensors that look out through holes in the cover. Whenever it is dark and a person approaches the lockset a light will be turned on to illuminate a translucent ring that surrounds the keyway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Emhart, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard G. Adelmeyer, Joseph J. Fata, Charles E. Babb
  • Patent number: 5825288
    Abstract: A monitoring device for narrow stile, metal frame doors having a mounting plate securable to the door jamb adjacent the strike slot. A switch is mounted on a bracket extending from the face plate and the switch is connectable to an existing alarm system. A trigger normally engages the switch actuator pin. When the closure or door is closed and the dead bolt engaged in the strike slot, the trigger will disengage the pin allowing the alarm system to be armed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Securitron Magnalock Corp.
    Inventor: Dennis Wojdan
  • Patent number: 5713230
    Abstract: A gearshift-stick locking assembly includes a padlock body, an annular fluorescent seat and a shackle. The seat is shaped as a rectangular frame and is made of a rubber containing a fluorescent material. The padlock body has a top surface and a mushroom-shaped projection which projects integrally from the top surface so as to define therebetween an annular groove within which the frame is engaged. The frame has two curved opposite side surfaces each of which defines a shackle-positioning slot. The legs of the shackle are engaged fittingly within the slots. Preferably, each of the curved opposite side surfaces of the frame is provided with several longitudinally extending ribs and bumps for contact with the legs of the shackle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Nana Wang
  • Patent number: 5689981
    Abstract: The apparatus immobilizes a wheel of a vehicle. A chock is connected to a facing bar. Also connected to the facing bar, spaced away from the chock is an engaging bar. The engaging bar has a first, generally elongated straight section and a second section that is shorter than the first straight section, and that is joined to one end of the first section such that the angle between the first section and a portion of the second section is between -45.degree. and +45.degree., preferably 0.degree.. The engaging bar is attached to the facing bar, such that the first straight section is generally perpendicular to the facing bar, the engaging bar is movable along its first section relative to the facing bar and the second section is rotatable around an axis coaxial with the first section. A lock locks the engaging bar at a desired position relative to the facing bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nicholas Paolo DeLuca, Alvin L. Ramsey, Edward M. Lee, Patricia Ann Foote, Shin John Choi, Arlene A. Guerra
  • Patent number: 5628217
    Abstract: The locking system includes a blocking and electronic releasing device by means of different codes for each one of the keys, it also being possible to modify the memory of the control circuit by means of an operating key to refuse access to a lost key, also allowing access to other new copies of the key. This electronic blocking is done by means of an independent pin of the locking pistons of the mechanical part of the cylinder, the latter being inside as well as outside the same. The key (4) communicates to the cylinder (1) its code by means of an electric contact (9) through which the energy required for its operation will be supplied to it. The transmission of data of the key to the cylinder is done by the electric contact itself (9). A rotary-type electric motor (10) acts on a blocking pin (6) by means of an eccentric (11) and connecting rod (12.) The control circuit of the cylinder (1) has a memory in which the codes of the keys (4) that have access to the lock appear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Azbe B. Zubia S.A.
    Inventor: Luis Z. Herrera
  • Patent number: 5548981
    Abstract: A lock assembly is disclosed for small computers and similar electronic devices of the type that must be locked yet must permit access for repair even when the proper key is not available to the repair person without requiring that the expensive lock or its mounting be damaged. Further, readily visible evidence of the forced access must be apparent to a casual observer of the computer. Forced entry detection is provided by the instant invention through the use of a fracture ring having support elements seated into recesses in a rebated cover opening which hold the lock assembly in place during normal use but which allow the assembly to become axially misaligned after the lock has been forced. Frangible portions of the lock support hold the lock assembly in both rotational and axial stability which stability is lost when the frangible portions are broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Richard D. Kirk
  • Patent number: 5546776
    Abstract: A padlock and lock holder unit including a padlock having a buzzer alarm circuit controlled by a pressed button to give an audio alarm signal when the padlock is attacked, and a lock holder consisting of a fixed clamping frame fixedly fastened to the bicycle frame, and a holder frame turned about a screw bolt on the fixed clamping frame and fixed in the desired angular position by a locknut for carrying the padlock when the padlock is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventors: Min-Hsiung Sun, Wang-Hsing Lin
  • Patent number: 5507160
    Abstract: A locking device for locking a brake disk includes a slot formed in a body which includes a groove for receiving a shank and a chamber for receiving a housing. A circuit board is engaged in the housing and includes a switch. A stud is slidably engaged between the shank and the switch. The stud is disengaged from the switch when the stud is engaged in the recess of the shank, and the stud is forced toward the switch in order to depress the switch when the stud is disengaged from the shank and when the shank is engaged inward of the body so as to lock the brake disk in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventor: Jin-Ren Shieh
  • Patent number: 5457973
    Abstract: A lock and key actuator for actuating a desired controlled component upon insertion of a key into the lock. The actuator includes either a sliding or pivoting member movable between non-actuated and actuated positions. The actuator may include a slidable plunger between the lock and controlled component. The system may be employed as a buzzer actuator on a vehicle ignition lock for signalling that a key is in the lock under certain conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventors: Larry R. Grimmer, William D. Boppre
  • Patent number: 5404735
    Abstract: A padlock with a built-in anti-theft alarm device that is comprised of a padlock mechanism consisting of a lock structure having a rotational locking pintle bar that is revolved a certain angle to achieve locking and unlocking, a cam suitably positioned at the center of the pintle bar, an electric switch that is actuated by the cam pushing against a switching device, an alarm circuit with an independent power supply and a vibration sensor device. The rotation of the pintle bar revolves the cam such that the lobe pushes against and closes the electric switch, which initiates the operation of the alarm circuit. The vibration sensor device triggers the alarm circuit to emit an alarm sound whenever abnormal vibration is detected. The alarm circuit has an independent power supply that is securely protected by the outer padlock case to prevent damage and power loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Chen-Kuei Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5289706
    Abstract: A device for preventing the undesired rotation of a key and cylinder within a sleeve of an automobile steering column ignition assembly. The device prevents rotation of a key from an off position to a lock position, and the consequent locking of the steering wheel, unless an adjacent button is depressed. Rotation is prevented by the interference of a blocking element on the button itself with an end face of a flange projecting from a cap covering the outer end of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald R. Krebs, Kevin J. Elinski
  • Patent number: 5289705
    Abstract: A device for preventing the undesired rotation of a key and cylinder within a sleeve of an automobile steering column ignition assembly. The device prevents rotation of a key from an off position to a lock position, and the consequent locking of the steering wheel, unless an adjacent button is depressed. Rotation is prevented by interference of the button itself with an abutment formed in a flange projecting from a cap covering the outer end of the cylinder. The flange also retains the button in the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Larry R. Grimmer
  • Patent number: 5167135
    Abstract: A safety lockout adapter is formed of two coupling members. Each coupling member is adapted to couple with another corresponding coupling member of substantially similar configuration for locking-out power disconnects or fluid line disconnects. When connecting the members to the power disconnect handle, a worker must use both hands. Each coupling member comprises a substantially rigid and planar member having opposing front and rear edges and opposing side edges defining front and rear portions. The front portion includes on one of the side edges an arcuate portion extending inwardly to form a substantially concave cut-out and a hook portion defined by the front edge and projecting toward the side from the front of the concave cut-out. Means positioned along the side edge opposite the arcuate cut-out holds together two coupling members when reversed and coupled in overlapping registry with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: East Carolina University
    Inventor: David L. Gobeski
  • Patent number: 4982587
    Abstract: An electronically self-latching cylinder lock comprising a cylinder into which a plug is inserted, a plurality of paired pin tumblers each of which is disposed in one of a plurality of bores formed inside the cylinder and the plug, and a plurality of switches which are controlled by the pin tumblers. The switches are used to actuate an electronic circuit to send out warnings with a buzzer and to secure the plug at its locked position with a latch which is driven with a solenoid, when an incorrect key is inserted into the key way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Inventor: Kae M. Tzou
  • Patent number: 4969342
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for motor vehicles equipped with tubeless tires, a collar secured to the valve stem of a selected tire, a locking device adapted to be detachably secured to said collar, a cable carrier mounted on a selected body part or other supporting structure of said vehicle and connected to said locking device whereby upon unauthorized movement or attempted theft of said vehicle the valve stem is forceably removed, said tire is deflated, and said vehicle is more difficult to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Inventor: David P. Marchiori
  • Patent number: 4953375
    Abstract: An electronically self-latching cylinder lock comprising a cylinder into which a plug is eccentrically inserted, a plurality pairs of pin tumblers each of which is disposed in one of a plurality of bores formed inside the cylinder and the plug, and a plurality of switches which are controlled by the pin tumblers. The switches are used to actuate an electronic circuit to send out warnings with a buzzer and to secure the plug at its locked position by a latch means, which is controlled by a solenoid, when an incorrect key is inserted into the key way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Kae M. Tzou
  • Patent number: 4760380
    Abstract: An interior door knob for conventional lockable door latches includes a hollow knob with a cylindrical neck having conventional means for engaging and rotating the latch spindle to mechanically move the door bolt and an actuator mechanically engaging the locking mechanism of the door latch and extending through the cylindrical neck into the housing and being movable between a first and a second position. A battery, an acoustic/visual indicating means and a normally-open microswitch electrically connected in series are mounted in a component module received within the knob housing. The microswitch switches responsive to the position of the actuator for indicating when the locking mechanism of the door latch is not locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Inventors: Jeffery J. Quenneville, Edmond N. Quenneville, Israel A. Macias
  • Patent number: 4726206
    Abstract: A lock comprising a hollow cylindrical seat, a cylindrical lock body for insertion into the seat and having a cavity in its exterior surface to accommodate a sphere therein, a screw hood for screwing onto the lock body, the hood having a plurality of cavities on its interior surface to accommodate the sphere, and a cylindrical lock barrel for insertion into the lock body and having a conical recession for accommodating the sphere to permit removal of the lock barrel and for pushing the sphere into the cavity in the screw hood to prevent removal of the lock barrel from the lock body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Inventor: Sheau-Po Hsu
  • Patent number: 4712396
    Abstract: This invention provides a means for permitting the deadbolt lock, as used on many residential outside doors, to be quickly and conveniently locked, either from the inside or outside, without requiring the use of a key. This device then requires that the deadbolt lock be opened from the outside by a key in the conventional manner, or from the inside by a conventional finger lever. But to prevent accidental lock out of the resident, this invention further embodies an audible reminder to the user to make sure that the key is in his possession and available for re-entry purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Inventors: Arthur P. Cary, Leslie W. Lyons
  • Patent number: 4709897
    Abstract: A surveillance camera mount including a bracket and a base defining a hollow housing which are formed so as to render the mount essentially tamper-proof. The bracket is adapted to be secured to a mounting surface and includes a surface adapted to support a surveillance camera and an opening or channel disposed to face opposite the camera supporting surface. The base conforms to the opening or channel in the bracket and has a flange extending substantially about the perimeter thereof with at least a portion adapted to be disposed internally of the bracket. When the base is secured to the bracket, the fasteners adapted to mount the bracket to the mounting surface and the camera to the camera supporting surface are concealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: Quick-Set, Incorporated
    Inventor: Paul C. Mooney
  • Patent number: 4683741
    Abstract: A door knob and lock assembly having a pair of knobs, a latching bolt operable by the rotation of the knobs, and a turn button to selectively arrest the movement of the bolt to place the assembly in locked condition. A battery operated electrical circuit including a switch operable by the turn button, and a light emitting diode mounted within the door knobs so as to be operable on locking the door to provide a flashing light visible from the outside of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Inventor: Roy A. Fields
  • Patent number: 4656851
    Abstract: Fiber optic sensors are used at one or more of the top pin and spring asslies in a pin tumbler lock to sense either authorized or unauthorized attempt to open the lock. A fiber optic switching element, in a simple capsule form, can be installed in new or existing locks. Fiber optic circuitry signals surreptitious attempts to open the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Bobby J. Leek, Henry L. Self
  • Patent number: 4541260
    Abstract: The improved guard plate of this invention is used to protect the cylinder of a lock. It includes a relatively flat body, attached to the door in the vicinity of the cylinder, and a disc rotatably mounted between the door and the flat body. In an open position, an opening in the disc permits access to the cylinder; and, in the closed position, the solid portions of the disc do not permit access to the cylinder. In adition, rotatable fingers are provided so as to lock the rotatable discs in either the open or closed position. Further, a stud extends from each of the rotatable fingers into and through the door. On the end of each stud is an electrical contact which may come into intermittent contact with an electrical contact positioned on the inside surface of the door. Thus, rotation of the rotatable fingers in the incorrect direction or too far in the correct direction will cause touching of the two electrical contacts and completion of an electrical circuit which will activate an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Inventors: Edward Rubinstein, Efim Rubinshtein
  • Patent number: 4328691
    Abstract: An axial pin tumbler type lock with alarm triggering capability upon an attempt at picking by stemmed locking pins which will close a circuit through a contact element wherein the contact element is seated against the rear of the stationary sleeve which is of insulating material, the contact element having openings therein which allow the pin stems to pass through and beyond the contact element, and an insulating ring which is fixed to and rotatable with the spindle, the insulating ring being also made of insulating material and having a plurality of bores that can receive the pin stems thereby preventing the application of the requisite torque to defeat the lock by picking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1982
    Assignee: Fort Lock Corporation
    Inventor: Frank J. Scherbing
  • Patent number: 4328692
    Abstract: A pick-resistant-multiple-pin-tumbler cylinder for a lock is disclosed, the principal embodiments of which include an integral, key-displaceable, booby-trapped, lock-up element within the cylinder shell, and slidably mounted in relation to a portion of the rotationally displacable cylinder plug and in which the lock-up element contains a T-shaped peripheral notch which engages and receives a fixed pin or lug projecting from the bore and is thus both slidably and rotatively received in the shell and spring pressed axially for engagement of its shaped notch with the pin, whereby the peripheral dimension of the notch limits the rotation of the plug to a small angle until the lock-up trapping element is thrust towards the rear of the cylinder through the insertion into the plug's keyway of a properly profiled key, imparting a predetermined linear displacement effecting disengagement of the lock-up element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1982
    Inventors: Harry E. Dice, George K. C. Hardesty
  • Patent number: 4280349
    Abstract: A rotary cylinder lock with a lock cylinder rotatable in a casing, preferably a door handle housing of a motor vehicle, with the lock cylinder being pivotable into closed and open positions by at least one key associated therewith and insertable in the lock cylinder. The rotary cylinder lock is constructed such that a second key can be inserted into the lock cylinder with the second key having, at a location other than in cases of the main key, notches or projections or the like controlling additional locking members. The second key actuates, by pivoting, a switching unit which, if necessary, triggers a safety device so as to prevent unauthorized use of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Grabner, Theodor Reinhard, Rolf Krugener, Hermann W. Kurth
  • Patent number: 4280348
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle wheel cover locking means for use in deterring the theft of wheel covers, wheels and tires and also providing protection against the loss of wheel covers due to various road hazards, the locking means including a customized lock nut cooperating with a lock stem to releasably anchor a wheel cover to a wheel lug stud, and a customized wrench for applying the lock nut to and removing the lock nut from the lock stem to lock and unlock the wheel cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Inventor: Richard E. Teston
  • Patent number: 4265474
    Abstract: A flush type rotary drive means which is caused to move between a position flush with a surrounding surface and a protruding position as the latch is moved between its locked position and its unlatched position, the drive means, by reason of its protruding position, being readily visible to indicate the partially or completely unlocked condition of the latch; one embodiment being arranged to move a reciprocable latch; another embodiment being arranged to turn a rotary latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Assignee: Hartwell Corporation
    Inventor: L. Richard Poe
  • Patent number: 4262506
    Abstract: A device for detecting entry or drilling attempts into cylinder locks. One or more housing bores not corresponding to core bores when the lock is in a neutral position having spring biased tripping pins connected to an alarm or indicator system and operable when an entry attempt is made not using a proper key or after having drilled-out the tumbler or tumbler and cylinder pins. The tripping pins detect the rotated cylinder having a space in the cylinder bore due an improperly made key or due to the cylinder bore having previously been emptied by the drilling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Assignee: Zeiss Ikon Ag Goerzwerk
    Inventor: Helmut Tobel
  • Patent number: 4205542
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1980
    Assignee: Lawrence Peska Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Renda