Techniques for controlling access to zones of a building. The techniques include determining with a computing device configured to regulate access to a zone of the building, at a time and responsive to a request to access the zone of the building received via an access control interface, whether a user is allowed to access the zone of the building; and in response to the computing device determining that the user is not allowed to access the zone at the time, receiving, via the access control interface, a request to permit access to the zone at the time; determining, with the computing device and at the time, whether to permit access to the zone based on one or more criteria; and outputting a result of determining whether to permit access to the zone.
A latching device for a door includes an actuator, a first rod, a second rod, a transom latch, and a side latch having a hook latch head. The actuator may include a rod holder including a lockout configured to inhibit disengagement of a rod from the rod holder. The side latch may be a mortise latch which may include a channel configured to receive a nut for alignment during installation. When installed in an associated door, the latching device may withstand multiple impacts from windborne objects or pressures induced by high winds.
Disclosed herein are cylindrical door locks configured to indicate the lock status of the door lock to nearby persons. In some instances, the lock status is indicated on a first side of the door. In other instances, the lock status is indicated on both a first side and a second side of the door.
A door lock may include a latch bolt head and a blocking pin. The latch bolt head may be configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position to selectively engage a latch head pocket of a door jamb. The latch bolt head may also be configured to move between a first rotational position and a second rotational position, wherein the blocking pin is configured to prevent movement of the latch bolt head from the first rotational position to the second rotational position when the blocking pin is in an engaged position.
A button assembly for a door lock may include a button and a shank. The button may be toollessly couplable to the shank to allow force transmission between the button and the shank. The button may transfer linear force and torque along a longitudinal axis of the button to the shank to allow a state of an associated lock body to be changed.
A multi-point latching device may include a mortise lock and one or more remote latches which are operable with a handle. The mortise lock may include a handle lock which selectively locks and unlocks the handle is independently controllable by an actuator and by a lock cylinder. The lock cylinder may be used to unlock the handle during power failure events where the mortise lock is put into a fail secure state, such that the mortise lock maintains normal functionality as a manual device.
E05C 9/04 - Arrangement of simultaneously-actuated bolts or other securing devices at well-separated positions on the same wing with two sliding bars moved in opposite directions when fastening or unfastening
A dogging mechanism for an exit device may include a progressive latching arrangement to allow for dogging at a plurality of positions of a push bar. An electronic latch retraction device may include a camming arrangement configured to provide mechanical advantage when retracting a push bar of an exit device.
E05B 63/18 - Locks with special structural characteristics with arrangements independent of the locking mechanism for retaining the bolt in the retracted position
E05B 47/06 - Controlling mechanically-operated bolts by electromagnetically-operated detents
E05B 65/10 - Locks for special use for panic or emergency doors
An exit device for a door includes an actuator, a first rod, a second rod, a transom latch, and a side latch having a hook latch head. The side latch may be a mortise latch which may include a plurality of grooves for alignment during installation. When installed in an associated door, the exit device may withstand multiple impacts from windbome objects or pressures induced by high winds.
E05C 9/02 - Arrangement of simultaneously-actuated bolts or other securing devices at well-separated positions on the same wing with two sliding bars moved in the same direction when fastening or unfastening
E05C 9/04 - Arrangement of simultaneously-actuated bolts or other securing devices at well-separated positions on the same wing with two sliding bars moved in opposite directions when fastening or unfastening
E05C 9/06 - Arrangement of simultaneously-actuated bolts or other securing devices at well-separated positions on the same wing with three or more sliding bars
An anti-ligature lock having a locking mechanism for retracting a latch between a locked and an unlocked position. The anti-ligature lock includes a lock handle rotatable about the axis and operatively connected to a lock mechanism hub to rotate the hub and retract the latch between the locked and the unlocked positions. The anti-ligature lock includes a connector between the hub and the lock handle and rotatable about the axis, the connector having a female portion having an opening with walls elongated in a direction normal to the axis and a male portion having projections extending in opposite directions normal to the axis, the male portion extending within the female portion opening and having a neutral position wherein one of the male or female portion may be partially rotated in either direction about the axis with respect to the other of the male or female portion without the male portion projections contacting the female portion opening walls.
A status indicator for a locking mechanism may include a status indicator face, a status indicator plate, a cam coupling, and a locking mechanism coupler. The status indicator face and status indicator plate may be at least partially moveable relative to one another. The locking mechanism coupler may have a greater rotational range of motion than the cam coupling. The status indicator face may indicate the state of a locking mechanism and may have a viewing angle greater than or equal to 180 degrees.
Embodiments described herein relate to an exit device having a construction that facilitates visual inspection of the state of the exit device. Embodiments of the exit device include a visual indicator as to the state (dogged or undogged) of the exit device.
A hook bolt for a latch assembly includes a hook that deploys laterally from a deadbolt when the deadbolt is moved to an extended position. When the deadbolt is actuated, the hook automatically deploys perpendicular to the deadbolt movement to an engaged position within a corresponding opening in a door jamb to secure the door.
Lock systems are disclosed. The lock system may include a lock unit and a separate base station. The lock unit may include one or more components maintained in a powered-off and/or low-power standby state when not in use. The lock unit may include a sound receiver. The lock unit may activate power to one or more components unit after detecting a predetermined activation sound transmitted by a sound transmitter on the base station. The lock unit and base station may include wireless communicators to communicate signals and/or information between the lock unit and base station after the lock unit is powered on. To conserve power, a lock unit may power down after a predetermined action has been completed, communication of a power down signal, and/or after a predetermined time period has elapsed.
E05B 47/00 - Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
H04W 84/10 - Small scale networks; Flat hierarchical networks
B81B 7/02 - Microstructural systems containing distinct electrical or optical devices of particular relevance for their function, e.g. microelectro-mechanical systems (MEMS)
G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
H04B 11/00 - Transmission systems employing ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
14.
DOOR LOCK ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION
Various door locks and their methods of operation are described. In one embodiment, one or more capacitors are discharged to power one or more electrical loads of a door lock and then charged by one or more associated power sources. During this type of operation, a voltage of the one or more capacitors may cyclically vary between a first voltage threshold and a second voltage threshold. Methods related to estimating an amount of energy provided to the one or more capacitors using time measurements are also described.
A lock includes an electrically powered locking mechanism operable between locked and unlocked positions, a power supply, and a controller for operating the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked positions. The controller regulates the amount of electric power supplied to the electrically powered locking mechanism and determines temperature in the vicinity of the locking mechanism, and is capable of supplying first and second levels of electric power to the electrically powered locking mechanism in accordance with the temperature in the vicinity of the locking mechanism. If the temperature in the vicinity of the locking mechanism is within a predetermined temperature range, a first level of electric power is supplied to the electrically powered locking mechanism to operate between locked and unlocked positions. If the temperature is below the predetermined temperature range, a second, lower level of electric power is supplied to the electrically powered locking mechanism.
Systems and methods for controlling the emission of gases and/or flames emitted from one or more electrochemical cells are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, gas emitted from an electrochemical cell located within an interior of an enclosure may be flowed through a flow restriction to reduce a pressure and/or temperature of the gas and/or the gas may be flowed through a catalyst prior to exiting through an outlet of the enclosure.
An anti-ligature handle and escutcheon mechanism mountable on a door for operating a lock for securing the door. The mechanism comprises a handle movable between open and closed positions, the handle having a smoothly curved outer surface to prevent the attachment of a ligature thereto and comprising a pivot at a first end for rotating the handle between the open and closed positions to operate the lock. An escutcheon fixed relative to a backing plate is oriented for mounting parallel to the door when the mechanism is mounted on an outer surface of the door, wherein the escutcheon surrounds the handle and defines a recessed area within which the handle pivots. The handle further has a second end including a guide which is trapped beneath and slides along an arcuate edge of the recessed area of the escutcheon to maintain flush contact between a mating surface of the handle and the backing plate to prevent ligatures from being inserted therebetween as the handle rotates to operate the lock. The mechanism further comprises a mounting plate disposed between the backing plate and an inner surface of the door when the mechanism is mounted on the outer surface of the door, the mounting plate fixed relative to the escutcheon and backing plate.
A latch assembly for a door includes automatically deployable deadbolt. When the door is closed and the latch engages a strike plate, the deadbolt automatically extends into a corresponding opening in a door jamb to secure the door.
E05B 63/20 - Locks with special structural characteristics with arrangements independent of the locking mechanism for retaining the bolt in the retracted position released automatically when the wing is closed
A locking mechanism for a bored lock has a lock chassis, a locking element, a motor housing, a reversible electric motor, an auger, and a spiral lock spring disposed between the locking element and the motor. The motor may drive the auger in a first or second rotational direction to move the spring towards/away from the motor to reduce/increase spring force on the locking element, thereby moving the locking element to an unlocked/locked position. One of the locking element and motor housing has a projection while the other has a guideway for slideably receiving the projection. The guideway prevents rotation of the locking element with respect to the motor as it moves between locked and unlocked positions. The projection and guideway are interlocked to prevent disassembly of the locking element and motor housing.
A lock for a door to a room comprising an interior handle disposed on an interior surface of the door, the interior handle having a lock control, the lock control operable between a first position and a second position and an exterior handle disposed on an exterior surface of the door. The lock includes a visual lock indicator on a portion of the interior or exterior handle. The lock control is operable between a first position and a second position. The lock includes a lock body disposed between the interior handle and the exterior handle, the lock body operable by the lock control from the first position wherein the exterior handle allows the door to open to the second position wherein the exterior door handle is prevented from opening the door. The visual lock indicator is in an off condition when the lock control is in the first position and the visual lock indicator is in an on condition when the lock control in the second position, the visual lock indicator indicating that the room is occupied and secured.
An adapter and interface permits a standard mortise lock to drive top and bottom latch mechanisms of a multi-point lock system. An actuator permits in situ adjustment of the top and bottom vertical latch projections of adjusting these projections while the door is hung in the door frame. An installation tool assists in the installation of the vertical rods in a door. A connector and carrier secures the vertical rods to the actuator and permits verification of retention of the rods in a multi-point latching system. A latch dogging indicator allows for end-user adjustment between a single-point lock and a multi-point lock system when desired. These different aspects may be employed in combination or separately with other locking systems.
A spring cartridge for a mortise lock for engaging first and second spindle hubs rotatable by a handle to open and close a latchbolt. The spring cartridge comprises a housing adapted to be secured within the mortise lock housing, and first and second members slideable with respect to the spring cartridge housing, the first and second members each having a first end adapted to contact an outer surface of the first and second spindle hubs, wherein the first and second members are independently actuable along a longitudinal axis of the spring cartridge housing in response to rotation of the first or second spindle hub. A spring retained by the spring cartridge housing contacts a second end of the first and second members to bias each of the first and second members against the outer surface of the first and second spindle hubs, respectively. Upon rotation of one of the hubs, the member contacting the hub permits the hub to rotate, while the member contacting the other hub prevents the other hub from rotating.
An electronic entry device such as a door lock includes a display that uses substantially no power when a static image is presented. Such a display can be "always on" and be used to display information to users of the entry device on a continuous basis. In some embodiments, the persistent display is an e-ink display. In some embodiments, the persistent display may present a scannable code, such as a QR code, that is statically displayed on the persistent display when a new product is unboxed. The persistent display can also present weather, news, scheduling, or other information.
A system and method for measuring harvested energy for use in an access control system. A capacitive storage device is charged to a voltage high threshold, where the storage device stores energy harvested from at least one sensor and is coupled to an energy harvesting manager adapted for managing the amount of energy received by the at least one sensor, and then a reference load is applied until the capacitive storage device discharges to a predetermined voltage value. A time constant defined as the time required for the capacitive storage device to discharge to the predetermined voltage value is compared to the reference load to determine an exact or near exact capacitance of the storage device, before discharging the storage device to a voltage low threshold and determining an amount of energy used per charge unloaded by comparing the voltage high threshold and the voltage low threshold.
Methods and system for securing delivery of a parcel when an intended recipient is unavailable, comprising at least one storage receptacle having an electronically controlled locking mechanism, the storage receptacle comprising an interface for receiving an access code for facilitating unlocking of the storage receptacle, a wireless communication radio, and a processor. The system further comprises a remote service manager comprising an access code generator and a wireless communication radio for transmitting an access code to a mobile computing device operated by a delivery carrier. The mobile computing device includes a wireless communication radio, one or more processors, and a memory comprising instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive, via the wireless communication radio, from the remote service manager, a single use access code for facilitating unlocking of the storage receptacle, and transmit the access code to the storage receptacle interface.
Methods and system for securing delivery of a parcel are disclosed. The system comprises: a storage receptacle configured to in response to detecting that the one or more expected parcels are within the storage receptacle, lock the electronically-controlled locking mechanism; at least one computing device configured to in response to determining that the dimensions of the storage receptacle are insufficient for holding the combined dimensions of the plurality of parcels to be delivered to the storage receptacle at the time, notify at least one of the one or more delivery carriers one or more of the plurality of parcels are not to be delivered to the storage receptacle during the time; and a mobile computing device configured to: receive a generated access code for facilitating unlocking of the electronically-controlled locking mechanism; and transmit the access code to the wireless interface of the storage receptacle.
H04W 4/30 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes
A47B 81/00 - Cabinets, racks or shelf units specially adapted for other particular purposes, e.g. for storing guns or skis
E05B 47/00 - Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
G08B 13/196 - Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems using television cameras
27.
LOCKING DEVICE WITH CONFIGURABLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR KEY AND INTERNAL CIRCUIT BOARD FOR ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCKS
Locks, systems and methods of monitoring a lock, the lock having a hub with a slot rotatable by a handle to open and close a latchbolt. A locking member is moveable into and out of engagement with the hub slot to prevent and permit movement of the hub and latchbolt. A sensor on the lock, adjacent the hub and locking member, monitors a moving lock component. The sensor may sense the position of the locking member in or out of engagement with the hub slot. The sensor may be a reed switch actuated by a magnet on the moving lock component. The lock may further include a magnet mounted on the hub and the sensor may comprise a reed switch capable of being actuated by the magnet on the hub. The lock and system may include an external control unit having an alarm for controlling operation of the lock.
Locks, systems and methods of monitoring a lock, the lock having a hub with a slot rotatable by a handle to open and close a latchbolt. A locking member is moveable into and out of engagement with the hub slot to prevent and permit movement of the hub and latchbolt. A sensor on the lock, adjacent the hub and locking member, monitors a moving lock component. The sensor may sense the position of the locking member in or out of engagement with the hub slot. The sensor may be a reed switch actuated by a magnet on the moving lock component. The lock may further include a magnet mounted on the hub and the sensor may comprise a reed switch capable of being actuated by the magnet on the hub. The lock and system may include an extemal control unit having an alarm for controlling operation of the lock.
A method for managing light energy received from at least one light source by at least one light sensor in an access control system. The method comprises receiving light energy by the at least one light sensor, measuring the amount of light energy received by an energy harvesting manager interconnected with an access control device, and determining whether the measured amount of light energy is above a predetermined threshold. If the measured amount of light energy is above the predetermined threshold, the method comprises converting the light energy into harvested energy by at least one energy harvester. If the measured amount of light energy is not above the predetermined threshold, the method comprises adjusting the amount of light energy available to the at least one light sensor from the at least one light source until the predetermined threshold is reached.
An interconnected lock for use on a door, where the lock has adjustable offset spacing between a deadbolt and latchbolt. The lock includes first and second shafts for actuating the deadbolt lock mechanism, at different offset spacings. A linkage arm connected to and moveable by the latchbolt actuator is alternately connectable to rotate either the first or second deadbolt-actuating shaft. The linkage arm has first and second upper positions, for alternate connection to rotate the first and second deadbolt-actuating shafts, respectively. Upon operation of the interior actuator, the linkage arm moves the deadbolt along the second axis from the latched to the unlatched position at the same time that the operation of the interior actuator moves the latchbolt along the first axis from the latched to the unlatched position.
A delayed egress exit push rail system for a door has a push rail movable relative to a housing between a home position and a second position to open the door, a sensor for determining the position of the push rail as the push rail moves between the home position and the second position and a controller connected to the sensor. The sensor detects a current position of the push rail in the home position and the controller determines if the current position of the push rail detected by the sensor is within a predetermined acceptable range of positions relative to the home position. If the controller determines that the current position of the push rail is outside of the predetermined range, the controller unlocks the door for immediate egress, relays an error message via light or sound and/or communicates with a remote monitoring device.
A interconnected lock has adjustable offset spacing between latchbolt and deadbolt lock mechanisms, and a sliding pusher mechanism therebetween. The pusher mechanism is operable upon operation of an interior actuator to bear against the deadbolt lock mechanism and move the deadbolt along the second axis from the latched to the unlatched position at the same time that the operation of the interior actuator moves the latchbolt along the first axis from the latched to the unlatched position. The pusher mechanism includes an arm that bears against the deadbolt lock mechanism and may be retracted and extended between a first length and a second, longer length when changing offset spacing between the deadbolt and latchbolt. The arm is extendable from the first length to the second length without adding or removing any components thereof.
A configurable electrical connector key for connecting an electronic door lock to an external unit, such as a lock monitoring or control system, includes a connector key housing shaped to engage the electronic door lock and a configurable circuit mounted within the connector key housing that makes a configured interconnection between selected components within the door lock and the external unit. The combination of an electrical connector key and an electronic door lock and a system and method including multiple differently configured electrical connector keys and one or more standardized electronic door locks allow selected sensors and functions of the door lock to enabled by selecting an appropriately configured electrical connector key.
An apparatus and method for releasably mounting access control components for a door lock to a door. A base element is adapted to be mounted to the door. A first wire connector element is mounted to the base element. A mounting element with combustible material attached is provided. A second wire connector element is mounted to the mounting element, and the second wire connector element is releasably connected to the first wire connector element to mount the mounting element to the base element. A spring is provided, and a retainer holds the spring in a loaded state, but in a fire event the retainer may melt, allowing the spring to apply force to the mounting element. Alternatively, an expanding material may apply the force. The force causes the wire connector elements to disconnect and allow the mounting element to separate from the base element.
An electronic circuit to capture legacy lock controller pulses and reduce the energy consumed. The legacy pulse is captured, converted to power to power the circuit and the direction of the pulse - polarity - is determined. A substitute pulse is created at lower power and sent to a motor actuator in the lock. The total power consumed is substantially reduced by reducing the duration and voltage of the pulse. In the preferred design, the circuit also detects control voltages for solenoid locks and produces suitable control signals for a motor actuator.
An electric latch retraction device includes a pivoting retraction lever, a limit switch for detecting a position of the retraction lever at a pivoting limit of motion thereof and providing a limit signal indicative thereof, a linear sensor providing a vertical position signal, a linear driver for vertically driving the pivoting retraction lever, and a control circuit. The control circuit is connected to drive the linear driver in vertical motion and connected to receive the limit signal and the vertical position signal that corresponds to a vertical position of the pivoting retraction lever. The control circuit receives the vertical position signal from the linear sensor, drives the pivoting retraction lever in vertical motion, and uses the vertical position signal to determine that sufficient additional travel is available for the linear driver to drive the retraction lever and correctly operate the vertical rod door latch.
An inline motorized lock drive is mountable within a lock housing to drive a sliding locking element between a locked and unlocked position. The lock drive includes a reversible motor having a shaft with an auger thereon to drive a lock spring, which drives the locking element. The sliding motion of the locking element is axially aligned with the motor axis to substantially reduce friction. The lock drive is preferably modular and emulates a solenoid lock drive with a control circuit. The control circuit is connected to drive the motor is switchable to default to a locked position or an unlocked position and emulate a "fail safe" or a "fail secure" type solenoid lock drive. The control circuit operates on 12 or 24 volts to replace solenoid locks of either voltage and stores power when power is applied, then uses the stored power to return the lock drive to the selected default state when power is removed.
An anti-ligature handle and escutcheon for operating a lock, The handle and escutcheon are smoothly curved in all directions to eliminate hanging points and prevent suicide by preventing the attachment of a ligature to the handle or escutcheon. The handle is curved to allow fingers to be inserted behind the handle to pull on the handle. The handle is attached to a handle plate that slides behind an escutcheon plate portion of the escutcheon. Multiple ligature traps in the form of an inverted "V" are positioned in parallel offset rows between the handle plate and the escutcheon plate to prevent the insertion of a ligature around the handle and handle plate.
A release mechanism is actuated by the heat of a fire to electrically and mechanically disconnect electrical wiring from an electronic lock having a plastic housing. The electronic lock is mounted on a fire door and as it is heated by a fire on the opposite side of the fire door, mounts that hold the lock melt, releasing the electronic lock to drop away from the fire door and prevent ignition of the plastic housing. The release mechanism may use shape memory alloy wire to contract and disconnect a ribbon cable. Solder connectors may also be used to disconnect wires. Intumescent material that expands when heated is used to drive the lock mechanism away from the fire door and insulation is used to control the timing of melting.
A door lock with integrated door position sensor includes rectangular magnets positioned behind the door strike to maximize magnetic field strength in available space limited by industry-standard dimensions for the door strike. A beveled or stepped mounting opening for the sensor is formed in a front plate of the door lock and behind a non magnetic faceplate. The shape of the mounting opening allows the magnetic field to penetrate deeply through the faceplate and front plate to actuate the door position sensor. The sensor may be used in mortise locks or bored locks. In an alternative embodiment, the sensor is spring mounted to eliminate all mounting tolerances and ensure that the sensor is maximally forward and flush against the back of the non-magnetic faceplate.
An electronic lock with power failure control circuit includes a lock mechanism having a latchbolt movable between extended and a retracted positions and an electrically powered lock actuator to lock and unlock the latchbolt. The power failure control circuit includes a microcontroller and the lock is connected to a primary power source and an auxiliary power source, preferably supercapacitors and charger that can be turned on by the microcontroller and off when the charger signals a full charge. A power monitor circuit detects low voltage on the primary power supply and sets a power failure interrupt causing the microcontroller to execute power failure instructions that control the actuator so that the lock is placed into a desired locked or unlocked final state during the power failure, upon detection of the return of good power, the system resets the lock.
Electrified access-control technology devices for a door, particularly electrified locks for a door, having embedded circuitry therein, and methods of making the same. One or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) having various electronic circuitry are secured inside a housing that encases an access-control device, particularly a lock, for a door. The one or more PCB(s) may be embedded on an internal surface of the housing such that the embedded PCB resides inside the housing along with the lock itself. The embedded PCB(s) avoid interference of both any working components of the lock inside the housing and any openings residing in the housing.
A drive mechanism for door hardware, such as a pushbar exit device, includes a driver for moving a component of the door hardware, a controller for controlling the operation of the driver, a sensor for detecting motion of the moving component and a spring connected between the driver and the door hardware component. The spring allows the driver to move for a period of time after the component has stopped moving. The controller monitors the sensor and moves the component until the sensor indicates that the driven component has stopped moving. The sensor produces an output signal and the controller detects an inflection point in the output signal when the component stops moving while the driver is still operating.
A locking device includes an integrated circuit board specially shaped to fit the locking device and to bring a sensor on the circuit board adjacent to a moving lock component. The circuit board is preferably routed to form a convex shape that matches the locking device and provides printed circuit wiring to connect one or more sensors or other components to an external wiring harness, thereby reducing point-to-point wiring within the lock. Multiple different circuits may be provided on the same circuit board, which are automatically selected by the connectors used on different corresponding wiring harnesses and/or actuators. The design reduces assembly costs and allows rapid electrification of existing mechanical locking devices with minimal modification.
A locking device includes an integrated circuit board specially shaped to fit the locking device and to bring a sensor on the circuit board adjacent to a moving lock component. The circuit board is preferably routed to form a convex shape that matches the locking device and provides printed circuit wiring to connect one or more sensors or other components to an external wiring harness, thereby reducing point-to-point wiring within the lock. Multiple different circuits may be provided on the same circuit board, which are automatically selected by the connectors used on different corresponding wiring harnesses and/or actuators. The design reduces assembly costs and allows rapid electrification of existing mechanical locking devices with minimal modification.
A fire plate for receiving a bored in lock assembly and preventing passage of fire through a lock opening bored perpendicularly through a fire door. The fire plate is particularly adapted for use with integrated lock and latch assemblies that are designed for installation through a latch opening bored from an edge of the door into the lock opening. The latch opening has a diameter less than the lock opening and the fire plate blocks the space above and below the lock assembly in the lock opening to prevent the passage of smoke and fire through the lock opening. The fire plate includes two fire stop barriers that may be formed by bending from a sheet of spring steel and which preferably snap into engagement with the lock assembly as it is inserted from the latch opening into the lock opening.
The present invention provides a pin and tumbler cylinder lock and a retrofitted cylinder lock which minimizes unauthorized openings of the lock by bumping. The cylinder lock utilizes specially designed driver pins which are correlated in size to the largest possible stack height of the tumbler pins with a bump key inserted in the plug portion of the lock and the shear line height of the lock. All the driver pins are about the same height and preferably symmetrical with a lip on each end. The invention also provides a method for retrofitting existing locks by removing at least one of the driver pins and replacing the removed driver pin or pins with the driver pins of the invention.
A pin assembly includes a spring held in compression inside a case by a thermal fuse located at the back end of the pin. The fuse is thermally activated to collapse, which allows the back end of the pin to move forward. The spring drives the front end of the pin out of the case into latching engagement between a first object, such as a fire door, and a second object, such as a floor or a doorframe. The fuse and spring are located on opposite sides of a restrictive opening at the back end of the case. The fuse is preferably cylindrical, surrounds the back end of the pin and is provided with holes oriented perpendicular to the cylindrical axis of the fuse forming a web. The holes weaken the fuse and cause it to collapse in a controlled manner at the desired activation temperature.
E05C 1/12 - Fastening devices with bolts moving rectilinearly with latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the latch
E05B 63/00 - Locks with special structural characteristics
An electronic push retraction exit device includes a support rail, a push rail and a latch mechanism having a latch bolt operably connected to the push rail and movable between latched and unlatched positions. A control circuit in the exit device drives a linear actuator to retract and hold the push rail and the latch bolt in the unlatched position. The linear actuator preferably includes a stepping motor and is connected to the push rail through a lost motion connection allowing the exit device to be mechanically operated without moving the linear actuator. The control circuit preferably includes an electrical adjustment for the retraction distance of the latch bolt and an adjustable relatch timer. The exit device may be operated by a remote switch attached to a control connection, which may be permanently closed to simulate a prior art electrically operated exit device for compatibility with third party control systems.
A return spring assembly for returning a handle to the horizontal orientation includes a spring housing (12) having an outer flange that contacts an outer surface of a door around a perimeter of a bored opening and an inner portion with a curved section that securely supports a latchbolt lock mechanism when an identical return spring assembly is installed on an opposite side of the door. A spring (40) is driven by two spring drivers operating with a lost motion connection to the handle spindle to alternately compress the spring from opposite directions as the handle is rotated in opposite directions. The spring is positioned to not interfere with a linkage extending out from the latchbolt lock mechanism.
A mortise lock integrated trim mechanism is provided for mounting on the surface of a door and has a handle turning a spindle that extends into the door to operate a lock mechanism mounted therein. The trim assembly is pre- assembled and has a retracting spindle that extends between the trim mechanism and the lock mechanism to accommodate varying door thicknesses. The preferred assembly utilizes a cover plate, spring and mounting plate assembly holding a pair of alignment pins. This assembly is fit onto a door handle and secured to the door handle by a cap nut. An elongated spring is disposed in the handle and is secured to a spindle which axially extends from the handle. The spindle is automatically retracted to maximally fit into the hub of a mortise lock.
A multi-functional mortise lock that can be rapidly converted betweendifferent functions without opening the mortise lock case by installing blocking screws that extend through threaded blocking openings in a sidewall of the case and into blocking interference with moving components inside the case. The moving components include a lock/unlock lever, a latch retract lever and a spindle hub. The blocking screws are stored in threaded storage openings in the sidewall of the case. The sidewall of the case is marked adjacent to the threaded blocking openings and storage openings to identify functions that will be performed when the blocking screws are installed in one or more of the blocking openings.
A fire exit alert system, preferably integrated into an exit device or automatic fire exit door closer, uses sound and light to signal the location of a fire exit in darkness and smoke-obscured rooms. The alert system includes a voice signal, such as "EXIT LOCATED HERE," to signal that the location of the voice is also the location of the exit. A white noise signal generator is used to supplement the voice signal and produces a sound that is particularly localizable by the human ear. A strobe light and a laser are used to produce a visual guide to the location of the exit. The strobe light is flashed when the word "HERE" is used in the voice signal. The laser is used to produce a cone of light that points towards the fire exit alert system.
G08B 7/06 - Signalling systems according to more than one of groups ; Personal calling systems according to more than one of groups using electric transmission
G08B 17/00 - Fire alarms; Alarms responsive to explosion
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.
An exit device includes an electroluminescent exit sign assembly, preferably mounted on a push rail actuator of the exit device. An electroluminescent illuminator, an opaque material and a transparent protective cover form the electroluminescent sign assembly. The push rail actuator operates a latch mechanism and opens an associated exit door when pressure is applied. An inverter may be located within the exit device to power the electroluminescent illuminator with an AC or voltage. The electroluminescent sign assembly is preferably removable for repair or replacement without removing the exit device from the exit door and is located within a surface cavity in an electrically insulating touchpad on the exit device actuator. Additional transparent nonconductive material surrounds the electroluminescent material to provide further electrical insulation.
A lever handle return spring assembly for a cylindrical lock mounted in a bored opening in a door includes support plates on opposite sides of the door. The support plates include cylindrically depressed inner regions that extend partially into the bored opening in the door to accommodate return springs and reduce the visual thickness of the return spring assembly. Spring housings containing compression springs turn within the support plate inner regions and are held in place by cover plates. The support plate, cover plate, spring housing and springs on each side of the door form complete assemblies that are attached to the door via through-bolts. At least one of the support plates preferably includes lock tabs that connect to the cylindrical lock to prevent rotation of the cylindrical lock relative to the door. The support plate and cover plate are designed for strength when stamped from a flat sheet.
E05B 63/20 - Locks with special structural characteristics with arrangements independent of the locking mechanism for retaining the bolt in the retracted position released automatically when the wing is closed
E05B 3/06 - Fastening handles to lock or latch parts by means arranged in or on the rose
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