Locking device comprising: a support, a first locking member and a second locking member, the first locking member being mounted on the support and configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, an intermediate member movable between a retaining position and a release position, the intermediate member in the retaining position retaining the first locking member in the locked position, and a shape-memory member, the shape-memory member being connected to the intermediate member and configured to move the intermediate member to the release position when the shape-memory member is activated.

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.

The invention relates to an anti-theft device configured to be attached to merchandise to be protected, in particular textile products, comprising a housing and a locking mechanism, which is received in the housing at least in part and comprises a securing element, wherein the securing element is adjustable between a securing position, in which it engages with the merchandise to be protected, and a release position, in which detachment and removal of the anti-theft device from the merchandise to be protected are permitted.

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 latch assembly 1 for an access door 2 of a storage compartment 3 in a vehicle 4, comprises a locking bar 5 configured to be movable into an engaged configuration which enables the access door 2 to be placed and held into a closed position and into a disengaged configuration which permits the access door 2 to be placed into an opened position; and an automatic locking mechanism 8 including a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator 9 configured to be coupled to the access door 2, the automatic locking mechanism 8 further including a locking feature 10 operably coupled to at least a portion of the locking bar 5, 5′, and configured to engage and disengage the SMA actuator which is electrically energized to move into a locked position to prohibit the locking feature 10 from moving.

Further, a latch assembly 1 for an access door 2 of a storage compartment 3 in a vehicle 4 comprises at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator 9 configured to move the locking bar 5, 5′; 26, 27 into the disengaged configuration with the storage compartment 3.

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.