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.

Method and its enabling device for remote wireless micro-latching for security purposes, comprising at least one user or controller, one mobile communication device, and one secured device, whereas said user is enabled to open or close a micro-latch in said a secured device, for instant a safe box or a medical cabinet, allowing access to secured content, including money, ID card, checks, as well as medicine. Also disclosed is a multiplicity of said devices and their preprogrammed remote control by computer or mobile app. The micro-latching can be amplified to macro-latching, for instance by a micro-solenoid switching a high power electrical switch bank or relay, which in turn initiates industrial processes.

Disclosed is a system for monitoring a location of a key relative to a key-box, configured to perform: (i) providing access to the key by: communicating over a personal area network with a first mobile-device for the first user as the first user approaches the key-box in an attempt to obtain the key, obtaining first credentials from the first mobile-device, determining whether the first credentials are valid or invalid, when the first credentials are valid: putting the key-box in an unlocked configuration, (ii) tracking a location of the key by: communicating over the personal area network with: the key and/or mobile-device to determine whether the key is being returned to the key-box, wherein upon a determination by the key-box or the mobile-device that the key is not being returned, an alert is provided by the mobile-device to the first user.

A lock has a flexible cable, instead of a shackle. The lock has a shaft moveable relative to the lock body so the top part of the shaft is moved out of the lock body to open the lock. The lock has a combination unlocking system and a key-overriding system. The lock can be unlocked by a lock-opening combination or by a correct key. The first end of the cable is fixedly attached to the lock body and the second end is removably engaged with a shaft slot. When the lock is in the locked mode, the shaft slot is located inside the lock body, preventing the removal of the second end of the cable from the shaft slot. When the lock is in the open mode, the shaft slot is located outside the lock body, allowing the second end of the cable to be removed from the shaft slot.

A lock assembly includes a lock element, and a lock housing including a receptacle for receiving therein the lock element. The lock housing includes a lock device that in a locked configuration is in locking engagement with the lock element and in an unlocked configuration is not in locking engagement with the lock element. A magnetic member magnetically holds the lock element in the receptacle against a force of gravity in the unlocked configuration.

The disclosure generally relates to a system and method for managing distributed encrypted combination over-locks from a remote location, where unlock codes for over-locks are transmitted via electronic messaging. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention is a distributed management system that controls access to various locations, such as, for example, self-storage units, hotel rooms, apartment buildings, storage containers, short-term housing rentals, lockers, equipment rooms, vaults, hospitals, airports, government facilities, nuclear power facilities, water treatment facilities, weapon storage facilities, aircraft cockpits, and any other setting that requires restricted, selective, or monitored access that can be remotely controlled, whereby users can request an unlock code via text messaging using a mobile device.

The invention is a straight shank combination lock that includes a straight shank and a lock assembly, which, during use, lie between a chain or other device being secured to prevent the shank from being cut.

The present disclosure is directed to a combination lock including a housing configured to lockingly receive a locking link. The lock includes a plurality of outer dials and a plurality of inner dials, each selectively coupled to a corresponding outer dial. A spindle is positioned radially internal to the inner dials. A multiplier link is pivotably connected between the spindle and a locking bolt. Some forms of the combination lock include a tactile feedback mechanism and/or a combination reset mechanism.

A chain lock is provided. The chain lock includes a lock body and a linkage chain set. The lock body includes a lock core disposed in the lock body, a lock body side face, and a socket. The linkage chain set is formed via linking a plurality of linkage chains. Each linkage chain is formed via linking a plurality of link plates. One end of the linkage chain set is joined with the lock body, wherein the other end of the linkage chain set can be inserted into the socket and secured by the lock core. When the other end of the linkage chain set is not secured by the lock core, each linkage chain can be folded to make the link plates overlap with each other, wherein the folded linkage chains can lean against each other and are located beside the lock body side face.

Examples of devices are described herein. In some examples, a device may include a plurality of electronic elements. In some examples, each of the electronic elements is mechanically interlockable to another of the electronic elements. In some examples, each of the electronic elements is to control a lock state based on a broadcast signal to modify a shape of the device to a predetermined target shape.