13973results about "Non-mechanical controls" patented technology

The invention discloses an automatic alarm invisible connection interlocking double-key anti-theft lock. A fixed contact is arranged on a lock body or a fixed shell of the anti-theft lock, a specially-matched key hole and an invisible hole are formed in a lock cylinder, the front ends of the lock body and the lock cylinder are provided with interlocking covers, a locking needle hole is formed in a locking ejection column, an invisible connection device is arranged in the invisible hole, an invisible spring is installed in an invisible bearing hole in the back end of the invisible connection device, an interlocking hole in the lock body is provided with an interlocking spring, a centre, a locking needle and an abutting-against needle, a rotary contact is arranged on a rotary connection device, the rotary connection device is located behind the invisible connection device, an electronic telecontrol device, the rotary contact and the fixed contact are connected into a circuit of an electromagnet, and the electromagnet is connected with a locking transverse piece. The invisible connection device and a specially-matched key are disconnected, the invisible connection device and the rotary connection device are disconnected, the lock cylinder and the rotary connection device are disconnected, the electronic telecontrol device is invisibly installed in the circuit of the electromagnet, the ejection column can be transversely locked through the centre and the locking needle, an interlocking key and a specially-matched key are separated, and alarming, hiding, interlocking and multiple theft prevention of the anti-theft lock are achieved.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). To charge, the machines employ electrical current from an external source, such as the electrical grid or an electrical service of an installation location. By default, each portable electrical energy storage device is disabled from accepting a charge unless it receives authentication information from an authorized collection, charging and distribution machine, other authorized charging device, or other authorized device that transmits the authentication credentials. Also, by default, each portable electrical energy storage device is disabled from releasing energy unless it receives authentication information from an external device to which it will provide power, such as a vehicle or other authorization device.

A lock can receive electricity from a transformer of a doorbell chime while the lock is mounted on a door. The lock can be electrically coupled to the face plate. The face plate can be electrically coupled to the strike plate of the door frame. The strike plate of the doorframe can be electrically coupled to the transformer of the doorbell chime.

A wireless access control system includes a remote access device and an electronic lock. The electronic lock communicates with the remote access device. The electronic lock controls the ability to lock and unlock a door in which the electronic lock is disposed. The electronic lock determines when the remote access device is at a distance less than or equal to a predetermined distance from the lock to enable the lock to be unlocked.

A wireless access control system includes a remote access device and an electronic lock. The electronic lock communicates with the remote access device. The electronic lock controls the ability to lock and unlock a door in which the electronic lock is disposed. The electronic lock determines when the remote access device is at a distance less than or equal to a predetermined distance from the lock to enable the lock to be unlocked.

A door lock system can comprise a door lock movable between a locked state and an unlocked state. The door lock system can detect a first indication suggestive of a presence of a visitor. The door lock system can also detect a second indication suggestive of an identity of the visitor. As well, the door lock can validate that the first indication and the second indication are associated with a first identity.

The system for monitoring and dispensing medical items which are dispensed for administration to patients includes a data terminal (76, 338) which is connected through a network (82, 328) to at least one remote computer (84, 324) having a processor and a data store. The system also includes a reading device (348) which is connected to the network. A user of the data terminal or the reading device is enabled to select a patient for whom medical items will be used, and responsive to a request to dispense items the requested items are dispensed from dispensing devices (96, 100, 344, 346, 450, 527) connected to the data terminal. A report generating device (384) generates reports (388) which include machine readable indicia corresponding to patients and / or medical items. Users may select patients and dispense medications by reading the indicia from the reports using the reading device. Certain storage locations are also labeled with machine readable indicia which may be read to indicate the taking of items therefrom as well as to indicate inventory status information. One such dispensing device in the system is a cabinet (550). The cabinet may be configured with various configurations of drawers or shelves by supporting connecting members in apertures which extend in the interior walls of the cabinet.

A low energy magnet actuator allows magnetic fields to be turned on and off using a small amount of energy. The magnetic actuator according to the invention generally includes a base suitable for the support of a plurality of magnets. An actuatable shield is positioned in relation to the plurality of magnets so that it effectively blocks the magnetic field when it is positioned over at least one of the magnets. The magnetic fields of the plurality of magnets interact in a manner that allows low energy actuation of the shield.

An electronically-controlled locker system that utilizes distributing processing to control access to, and assignment of, a plurality of lockers in a school, workplace, fitness center, etc. The system uses a plurality of locker control units that control access to a corresponding set of lockers based on user inputs and on user / locker authorization data that is provided from a central administrator workstation. This administrator workstation communicates with a system control unit that is in communication with every locker control unit and which allows cross-communication between locker control units.

A lock can receive electricity from a transformer of a doorbell chime while the lock is mounted on a door. The lock can be electrically coupled to the face plate. The face plate can be electrically coupled to the strike plate of the door frame. The strike plate of the doorframe can be electrically coupled to the transformer of the doorbell chime.

An electro-mechanical lock release assembly for an enclosure such as a vending machine and including an electronic lock controller for disengaging a lock assembly securing the door of the enclosure against the enclosure frame in a closed, locked position. The lock controller is actuated remotely through a key controller to disengage the lock assembly and enable the door of the enclosure to be moved to an open position for accessing the enclosure.

One aspect of the invention relates to an assembly comprising a plurality of bins with a plurality of lids associated therewith. Each of the bins has a lock assembly that includes a catch operable to lock the lid in its closed position and a mechanical indicator responsive to the catch. Another aspect of the invention relates to an automated dispensing cabinet that includes a control computer and a plurality of drawers having a plurality of row assemblies therein. Each row assembly has bins that include a tabbed lid, a lock assembly with a catch operable to engage and disengage the tab, and an indicator responsive to the lock assembly. Methods for dispensing from and restocking the remote dispensing systems are also given, as well as a method for indicating which item is to be dispensed from one of a plurality of bins.

A wireless access control system includes a remote access device and an electronic lock. The electronic lock communicates with the remote access device. The electronic lock controls the ability to lock and unlock a door in which the electronic lock is disposed. The electronic lock determines when the remote access device is at a distance less than or equal to a predetermined distance from the lock to enable the lock to be unlocked.

A magnetic latching system selectively couples and releases an information handling system housing and lid by moving a magnet associated with one of the housing or lid relative to a ferrous metal in the other of the housing or lid to selectively apply magnetic attraction between the housing and lid. A latch retainer interfaced with the magnetic latching system retains the magnetic latch in a released position until the lid and housing approach a closed position and then allows the magnetic latch to return to a locked position, thus bringing the lid and housing to a securely closed configuration without slamming together due to the magnetic attraction between the magnet and ferrous metal.

A lock system having a remote actuating key device, e.g., a portable member arranged to wirelessly transmit a wireless signal, and a passive lock device for receiving that signal. The lock device includes an actuatable trigger mechanism and a control circuit. The control circuit receives the wireless signal, which powers it. The control circuit also determines if the wireless signal is appropriate to unlock the lock, whereupon it produces a trigger signal. The trigger mechanism is responsive to the trigger signal to actuate and enable the lock device to be opened. The key device is also arranged to communicate via a wireless communications connection to a computer network. The communication with the computer network may carry commands and information. The key device may relay communications between the lock device and the computer network.

A lock assembly and locking systems adapted for use with hinged bidirectional hardened plastic doors is provided. The lock assembly comprises a moveable bolt arranged within a housing and a having a first perimeter; a strikeplate spaced apart from the housing and having a hole with a second perimeter; and an actuator adapted to move the bolt form an unlocked position where the bolt is within the housing to a locked position where a portion of the bolt extends into the hole, wherein the second perimeter is 2-10 times greater than the first perimeter such that the hinged double-acting impact-traffic door has an amount of play when the bolt is in the locked position.

A system and apparatus for securing an item using a biometric lock where a matching fingerprint allows a user access to the item secured. In one embodiment, the item is a container with an aperture. More specifically, the container is a handbag, luggage, briefcase, computer bag, storage container, shipping container or gun holster. In one embodiment, the biometric lock apparatus is self contained and is applied to the item being secured. More specifically, the self contained biometric lock is a padlock, bicycle lock, or an independent lock with a shackle applied to an item. In one embodiment, the biometric lock is divided into multiple components, one component being a biometric key containing a sensor where a user inserts the key into another component of the lock and applies a finger to the sensor to read a matching fingerprint and unlock the mechanism. In one embodiment, the systems and apparatuses include utilizing an unlocking apparatus that contains a generator whereby the swiping of a fingerprint over a sensor simultaneously moves a thumb roller which activates the generator to power the device, and a fingerprint is initially installed through the use of an external computer and a secondary power source.

Vehicle operation (e.g., speed, acceleration) may be limited based on various conditions such as a current charge condition of an electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, super- or ultracapacitors), history of such, conditions related to the vehicle (e.g., mileage, weight, size, drag coefficient), a driver or operator of the vehicle (e.g., history with respect to speed, acceleration, mileage) and / or environmental conditions (e.g., ambient temperature, terrain). A controller may control operation of one or more power converters to limit current and / or voltage supplied to a traction electric motor, accordingly.

A wireless access control system includes a remote access device. A plugin device communicates with the remote access device. A lock controls the ability to lock and unlock a door in which the lock is disposed. The lock is in communication with the plugin device. The plugin device determines a distance between the remote access device and the lock and causes the lock to communicate with the remote access device when the remote access device is at a distance less than or equal to a predetermined distance from the lock to enable the lock to be unlocked.

A fingerprint biometric lock is provided which includes a locking mechanism that restricts the movement of an object that is to be unlocked, a movement restriction electronic circuit that restricts the unlocking of the object by the locking mechanism, a fingerprint sensor that detects a fingerprint pattern, a memory device that stores an enrolled fingerprint code data, a verifying unit that determines whether an offered fingerprint code, created from the fingerprint pattern sensed by the sensor, matches with any of the enrolled fingerprint codes stored in the memory device, a motor control unit that unlocks the locking mechanism through the movement restricting electronic circuit, when the offered and enrolled fingerprint codes match, and, a finger presence detector for powering a direct current to the sensor and the motor control unit.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collects, charges and distributes portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). Vehicle diagnostic data of a vehicle using the portable electrical energy storage device is stored on a diagnostic data storage system of the portable electrical energy storage device during use of a respective portable electrical energy storage device by a respective vehicle. Once the user places the portable electrical energy storage device in the collection, charging and distribution machine, or comes within wireless communications range of a collection, charging and distribution machine, a connection is established between the collection, charging and distribution machine and the portable electrical energy storage device. The collection, charging and distribution machine then reads vehicle diagnostic data stored on the diagnostic data storage system of the portable electrical energy storage device and provides information regarding the diagnostic data.

An electronic key including an internal power source is provided for transferring electrical power to a merchandise security device to operate a mechanical lock mechanism. In one embodiment, the key transfers power to the device via electrical contacts disposed on a transfer probe of the electronic key and corresponding electrical contacts disposed within a transfer port of the device when the transfer probe engages the transfer port. In another embodiment, the key transfers power to the device via inductive transfer as a result of passing an electrical current through an inductive coil disposed within the transfer probe to generate a magnetic field in the vicinity of a corresponding inductive coil disposed within the transfer port and thereby induce an electric current in the inductive coil of the device. In other embodiments, the electronic key is programmed with a security code and the key initially programs the merchandise security device with the security code and subsequently determines whether the security code of the key matches the security code of the device to permit the key to transfer power to the device.

A remotely or locally actuable refrigerator door lock has a body portion that is attached to the cabinet and a door portion that is attached to an edge of the door. A latch in the body portion engages a strike plate in the door portion and can be lifted out of engagement to open the refrigerator. The door lock assembly may be connected to a touch-screen device or via a USB or ethernet connection to a remote host computer. The host computer keeps an audit trail of the times and personnel accessing each refrigerator, and a temperature audit trail. The system may be used in hospital for controlling access to pharmaceuticals or may be used in a weight loss program. Temperature and humidity sensors are positioned within the refrigerator cabinet. The door lock may have battery power for portable or mobile applications.

Methods and systems are provided for a universal key that enables a user to have access to any type of secured portal, both physical and electronic, in a wireless, hands-free, distance-independent manner without requiring contact or line of sight access between the key and the secured portal. The universal key is not distance-dependent, and each secured portal can be provided with its own prescribed activation range, if desired. Some portals may be provided with long range activation, such as 50 feet, while other portals may be provided with short range activation of a few feet or less. The type of portal being secured and the range of activation may be selected by the user and is not limited by the universal key. In addition, the universal key will provide access to the secured portals in a hands-free fashion so that the user need not push any buttons or take any other action in order to obtain access to the portal. The user need only carry the universal key somewhere on their person in order to access the portal.

A remotely or locally actuable refrigerator door lock has a body portion that is attached to the cabinet and a door portion that is attached to an edge of the door. A latch in the body portion engages a strike plate in the door portion and can be lifted out of engagement to open the refrigerator. The door lock assembly may be connected to a touch-screen device or via a USB or ethernet connection to a remote host computer. The host computer keeps an audit trail of the times and personnel accessing each refrigerator, and a temperature audit trail. The system may be used in hospital for controlling access to pharmaceuticals or may be used in a weight loss program. Temperature and humidity sensors are positioned within the refrigerator cabinet. The door lock may have battery power for portable or mobile applications.

A lock system having a remote actuating device, e.g., a portable member arranged to wirelessly transmit a wireless signal, and a passive lock for receiving that signal. The lock includes an acuatable trigger mechanism and a control circuit. The control circuit receives the wireless signal, which powers it. The control circuit also determines if the wireless signal is appropriate to unlock the lock, whereupon it produces a trigger signal. The trigger mechanism is responsive to the trigger signal to actuate and enable the lock to be opened.

An access control system, has at least one door to a secured area, each door having a strike plate, a host computer, at least one door control module coupled to the host computer, one door control module for every door; and at least one door reader coupled to the at least one door reader coupled to the door control module to activate the strike plate to release the door. The access control system further has at least one electro-mechanical key to independently actuate a lock that corresponds to the door(s). A master keying device to rekey the lock that corresponds to door(s). The host system records information selected from the group consisting of time of entry, place of entry, identification of entered party, and / or any combination thereof. In addition, a door knob and mechanical locking mechanism selectively latches and unlatches the locking mechanism and can be actuated with a mechanical key; and circuitry to actuate the locking mechanism to selectively latch so that the door can open, the circuitry actuated by an electrical signal transmitted by an electrical key, the electrical signal communicated by an electrical contact extending through the mechanical locking mechanism. The circuitry is powered by a battery, which can be removed without disturbing or actuating unlocking mechanism. The contact is an insulated electrical wire that extends through the locking mechanism to the circuitry. All of the circuitry discussed can be integrated onto a single, monolithic piece of silicon in a multi-chip or single-chip format. A master rekeying device has input / output circuitry to receive and transmit electrical signals, circuitry coupled to the input / output circuitry to record a list of security passwords in order to check passwords against the list and a memory to store data; and the input / output circuitry also receives and transmits electrical signals to a host computer.

A security device includes a locking member, a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of cables. The cables are wrapped around all six sides of a box-like article. An attachment clip is releasably snap-fitted into the body of the security device and locked therein by a magnetically attractable member. The ratchet mechanism includes a spool and a locking pawl or lever. A top wall of the housing or locking clip has a key receiving recess for positioning the key for unlocking the clip from the housing and releasing the spool from the ratchet mechanism. The housing has a rotatable handle for manually rotating the internal spool to further tighten the cable about the article after the cable slack is taken up by an internal spring. An alarm system is contained in the housing and actuates an audible alarm upon certain unauthorized actions occurring. The spool is biased by the internal spring to automatically wind the cable onto the spool after the clip has been unlocked from the housing. Insertion of the clip into the housing automatically actuates the ratchet mechanism preventing movement of the cable in the unwind direction and activates the alarm system.

An access controlled medication storage and inventory control cabinet includes a main body having an access controlled door for protecting a plurality of containers each configured to store medical items. The cabinet can further include an inventory control module configured to identify each of the medical items stored within the containers and report the same to a central control unit configured to interface with a user, provide access to the cabinet, and control the inventory control module.