A lockout system includes a hasp assembly and a plurality of tags. The hasp assembly has a back plate defining slots each sized and shaped to receive a tag. The back plate and tags each have openings that align when a tag is received in a slot. A first hasp portion has a first loop portion and a second hasp portion has a second loop portion. The first and second hasp portions are rotatable with respect to one another such that moving the lockout system has both an unlocked position and a locked position associated with an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the first and second hasp portions complete and define a closed loop, where one or more tags can be installed in slots preventing further movement from the closed position.

In one aspect the present invention provides a door strike which prevents the opening of an associated door when the door strike has been heated to an elevated temperature of at least about 1000° F., preferably when the door strike is at higher temperatures such as are present during a fire in a building structure. The door strike includes a thermally responsive element which retards the normal operation of the door strike when it is at an elevated temperature. A further aspect of the invention is a method for controlling the undesired spread of a fire or smoke between adjacent spaces separated by the door wherein a fire or smoke condition exists in at least one of these spaces, via the provision of a door strike having a thermally responsive element which retards the normal operation of the door strike when it is at an elevated temperature.

An apparatus and method for storing energy in a electromechanical lock. The electromechanical lock can include a main housing and a deadbolt. The main housing can be configured to extend a deadbolt along a path to lock and/or unlock a door. The deadbolt can have a hollow inner region configured to receive an energy storage device. The energy storage device within the deadbolt can be electrically connected to the main housing. The energy storage device can be used to power an actuator and/or accelerometer in the main housing.

A merchandise security device is provided. The merchandise security device may include a lock mechanism operably engaged with a shape memory material configured to receive electrical power for locking and unlocking the lock mechanism. The shape memory material may be configured to change in shape in response to receiving electrical power to thereby lock or unlock the lock mechanism.

A vehicle opening panel emergency access device, having a graspable pull rod that is equipped with a retention strike; a retention lever that pivots relative to the sheath and has a bolt; a pull wire connected to the retention lever and designed to urge the retention lever by pulling it toward its release position; the graspable pull rod being mounted so as to be able to move in translation in the sheath according to three modes: a manual driving-in mode, a controlled driving-in mode, and an ejection mode.

A merchandise security device is provided. The merchandise security device may include a lock mechanism operably engaged with a shape memory material configured to receive electrical power for locking and unlocking the lock mechanism. The shape memory material may be configured to change in shape in response to receiving electrical power to thereby lock or unlock the lock mechanism.

A merchandise security device is provided. The merchandise security device may include a lock mechanism operably engaged with a shape memory material configured to receive electrical power for locking and unlocking the lock mechanism. The shape memory material may be configured to change in shape in response to receiving electrical power to thereby lock or unlock the lock mechanism.

Certain aspects of the technology disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for electrically and mechanically connecting a deadbolt to a main housing of a lock. The main housing can be configured to extend a deadbolt along a path to lock and/or unlock a door while receiving electrical energy from an energy storage device disposed in the deadbolt. The energy storage device disposed in the deadbolt can be proximate to one or more electrical contacts electrically connected to one or more components in the main housing via conductive components of a bolt carriage. The bolt carriage includes a groove attachable to a male detent connector attached to the deadbolt. The groove in the bolt carriage provides a mechanical connection to the deadbolt and also aligns pogo pins with electrical components of the bolt carriage to enable electrical transmission from the deadbolt to the main housing.

Determining a position of a deadbolt used to lock and unlock a door is disclosed. An electromechanical lock can include a deadbolt that can retract or extend along a linear path as the door is to be locked and unlocked. A sensor such as an accelerometer can rotate along a non-linear path as the deadbolt moves along a linear path. The accelerometer can determine a gravity vector that can be indicative of a position of the accelerometer along the non-linear path. A controller can then determine a position of the deadbolt based on the gravity vector.

A knife station includes a knife block defining a plurality of slots for receiving a plurality of cutlery objects. A locking assembly selectively locks the cutlery objects in their respective slot, e.g., using a locking pin that passes through an aperture in the blade. A controller is operably coupled to an audio device, such as a microphone, for receiving voice commands. The voice commands are converted to text commands using AI-based speech recognition technology and the text commands are compared to a database of text commands to identify a target cutlery object from the cutlery objects in the knife block. The controller may then illuminate a light emitting diode next to the target cutlery and unlock only that piece of cutlery so that the user may withdraw it from the knife block.