A preload mechanism for a memory alloy wire actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot. The offset distance has a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position, the second value being smaller than the first value.

A preload mechanism for a memory alloy wire actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot. The offset distance has a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position, the second value being smaller than the first value.

A mechanical lock box comprising a housing including a lid and a hook fastener attached to the lid and a 3D multi-level printed maze. A release chamber is located within the maze and a ball is enclosed in the maze. The mechanical lock box further includes a hook bar having a first hook bar end which pivotally connects to a pivot box in the maze and a second hook bar end having a lock hook configured to engage with the hook fastener to hold the lid in a locked position. A hook pusher is configured to pivot the hook bar to unlock the lid when the ball pushes against the hook pusher.

A mechanical lock box comprising a housing including a lid and a hook fastener attached to the lid and a 3D multi-level printed maze. A release chamber is located within the maze and a ball is enclosed in the maze. The mechanical lock box further includes a hook bar having a first hook bar end which pivotally connects to a pivot box in the maze and a second hook bar end having a lock hook configured to engage with the hook fastener to hold the lid in a locked position. A hook pusher is configured to pivot the hook bar to unlock the lid when the ball pushes against the hook pusher.

A latching mechanism includes a gauge defining a passage extending therethrough, and a latch operably connected to the gauge and structured to be rotatable from a latching position to an unlatched position by movement of a component at least partially through the passage. The latch is structured to engage a latch engagement feature positioned on a lid of a receptacle to maintain the lid in a closed condition when the latch is in the latching position. The receptacle lid is released for opening when the latch disengages from the latch engagement feature.

A system for locking a position of an operable sash in a window frame has a motor, a rotating element connected to the motor, and a sweep cam. The sweep cam is configured to rotatably engage a keeper disposed on a sash disposed opposite the operable sash. A spur gear operatively connects the rotating element to the sweep cam.

A system for locking a position of an operable sash in a window frame has a motor, a rotating element connected to the motor, and a sweep cam. The sweep cam is configured to rotatably engage a keeper disposed on a sash disposed opposite the operable sash. A spur gear operatively connects the rotating element to the sweep cam.

A double lock, dual action gravity latch device to secure a gate in a closed position comprising a latch assembly including a pivotal latch member movable between a latched and unlatched position, a keeper assembly including a striker pin to maintain the gate in the closed position when the pivotal latch member in the latched position, a latch lock assembly including a lock assembly with a first lock and a second lock each independently movable between a locked position and an unlocked position disposed on opposite sides of the gate to selectively move a latch blocking assembly from a latch blocking position to a latch unblocking position when either the first lock or second lock is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position and move the latch blocking assembly from the latch unblocking position to the latch blocking position when the unlocked lock is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position.

A double lock, dual action gravity latch device to secure a gate in a closed position comprising a latch assembly including a pivotal latch member movable between a latched and unlatched position, a keeper assembly including a striker pin to maintain the gate in the closed position when the pivotal latch member in the latched position, a latch lock assembly including a lock assembly with a first lock and a second lock each independently movable between a locked position and an unlocked position disposed on opposite sides of the gate to selectively move a latch blocking assembly from a latch blocking position to a latch unblocking position when either the first lock or second lock is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position and move the latch blocking assembly from the latch unblocking position to the latch blocking position when the unlocked lock is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position.

A preload mechanism for an actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the actuator such that contraction of the actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot. The offset distance has a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position, the second value being smaller than the first value.