A portable lock includes a wireless signal receiver. The lock may be unlocked by transmitting a wireless unlock signal from a portable device such as a cellular telephone. Various actuation mechanisms which may include a solenoid, motor or memory wire of a type that contracts when energized are provided in example embodiments. Self-locking embodiments are readily operated with one hand.

A portable lock includes a wireless signal receiver. The lock may be unlocked by transmitting a wireless unlock signal from a portable device such as a cellular telephone. Various actuation mechanisms which may include a solenoid, motor or memory wire of a type that contracts when energized are provided in example embodiments. Self-locking embodiments are readily operated with one hand.

A padlock is disclosed comprising an electronic circuitry and such that the padlock may be opened via a near field communication network such as Bluetooth or via other electronic means such as an integrated fingerprint scanner. In one embodiment the padlock is capable of receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals from nearby sensor nodes containing information regarding temperature, humidity, moisture, speed, vibration, liquid level, concentration of gases and other sensing devices for use in a system for monitoring, tracking, tracing, alarms, access management, access recording, authenticity and integrity of goods, documents or other valued objects in storage or transit.

A padlock is disclosed comprising an electronic circuitry and such that the padlock may be opened via a near field communication network such as Bluetooth or via other electronic means such as an integrated fingerprint scanner. In one embodiment the padlock is capable of receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals from nearby sensor nodes containing information regarding temperature, humidity, moisture, speed, vibration, liquid level, concentration of gases and other sensing devices for use in a system for monitoring, tracking, tracing, alarms, access management, access recording, authenticity and integrity of goods, documents or other valued objects in storage or transit.