In some embodiments, an apparatus for locking a computing device includes an actuator, a locking protrusion connected to a first portion of the computing device, a locking receptacle connected to a second portion of the computing device, a shape memory material (SMM) wire, and a force conditioner. The SMM wire has a first state and a second state and is movable between states by the actuator. The first state and the second state have first and second lengths, respectively. Moving from the first state to the second state applies a contraction force along a longitudinal direction of the SMM wire. The force conditioner is configured to apply a return force to the SMM wire that opposes the contraction face. The return force returns the SMM wire toward the first state while moving a maximum available force of the SMM wire to the second state of the SMM wire.

A padlock with an associated locking mechanism is configured for use in a lock configured to be locked and unlocked by a key. The locking mechanism includes a lock cylinder with a key-receiving end configured to interface with the key and further includes a cam positioned at an axial end of the lock cylinder opposite the key-receiving end thereof. The cam is integrally connected thereto thereby restricting axial and rotational motion of the cam with respect to the lock cylinder and can be used to retain components of the locking mechanism (such as tumblers and springs) in the lock cylinder.

A padlock configured to be locked and unlocked by a key includes a key-retaining cover. The padlock includes a lock body having an internal cavity with a locking mechanism received therein. The locking mechanism is a linear lock configured to receive the key through a keyhole to lock and unlock the padlock. A direction of insertion of the key into the locking mechanism is parallel with a direction of displacement of a plurality of tumblers in the locking mechanism thereby creating an outward ejection force on a fully-inserted key. The cover is disposed on the locking mechanism proximate the keyhole. The cover is configured to retain the key in position relative to the locking mechanism against the outward ejection force after the key is received in therein.

A padlock configured to be locked and unlocked by a key includes a key-retaining cover. The padlock includes a lock body having an internal cavity with a locking mechanism received therein. The locking mechanism is a linear lock configured to receive the key through a keyhole to lock and unlock the padlock. A direction of insertion of the key into the locking mechanism is parallel with a direction of displacement of a plurality of tumblers in the locking mechanism thereby creating an outward ejection force on a fully-inserted key. The cover is disposed on the locking mechanism proximate the keyhole. The cover is configured to retain the key in position relative to the locking mechanism against the outward ejection force after the key is received in therein.

A prisoner transport kit is described including handcuffs, ankle cuffs, fetters, and locks for use in transporting a prisoner.

The invention relates to locking devices of enhanced security. primarily locks for locking dead bolt systems of safes, metal doors of residential buildings, public and other buildings and offices, as well as to padlocks, etc., where a high level of resistance to breaking is required.

The invention relates to locking devices of enhanced security. primarily locks for locking dead bolt systems of safes, metal doors of residential buildings, public and other buildings and offices, as well as to padlocks, etc., where a high level of resistance to breaking is required.

Method of securing and screening luggage with locks that the TSA and similar entity can open to screen travelers' luggage and dual-function locks used in the method, wherein the method comprises using first locks that the screening entity can open with a first master key and have the same traveler-operated portions, second locks that open with a second master key that is different from the first master key and have traveler-operated portions that differ from one second lock to another, and third locks that open with a third master key that differs from the first and second master keys and at least a portion of each third lock is permanently mounted to luggage of a selected brand only, wherein all first, second, and third locks have the same indicia identifying them as locks that the screening entity can open without breaking them or luggage.

A tubular lock for push locking has a lock housing, a switching handle mounted in a front end portion of the lock housing, an upper pin seat and a lower pin seat mounted in the lock housing and the switching handle, and multiple pin assemblies and a core shaft mounted in the upper pin seat and the lower pin seat. A key is only needed when unlocking the tubular lock, and then the tubular lock can be locked by pushing the core shaft. The tubular lock can be used to latch a pivotal mechanism. When the tubular lock is in an unlocking state, the user can switch the latch to the locking angular position or an unlocking angular position by turning the switching handle without using the key. Therefore, flexibility and convenience in using the tubular lock can be efficiently improved.

A tubular lock for push locking has a lock housing, a switching handle mounted in a front end portion of the lock housing, an upper pin seat and a lower pin seat mounted in the lock housing and the switching handle, and multiple pin assemblies and a core shaft mounted in the upper pin seat and the lower pin seat. A key is only needed when unlocking the tubular lock, and then the tubular lock can be locked by pushing the core shaft. The tubular lock can be used to latch a pivotal mechanism. When the tubular lock is in an unlocking state, the user can switch the latch to the locking angular position or an unlocking angular position by turning the switching handle without using the key. Therefore, flexibility and convenience in using the tubular lock can be efficiently improved.