Actuating unit for automotive applications, especially motor vehicle door locks (1), comprising a drive (2) and with a linear actuator (3, 4) which can be pressurised by the drive (2), wherein the drive (2) and the linear actuator (3, 4) are arranged at an angle, and especially at a right angle, to one another.

An illustrative access control system includes a locking assembly operable in locked and unlocked states, and a drive assembly operable to actuate the locking assembly. The drive assembly includes an electromechanical actuator, and energy storage device, and a control system. The electromechanical actuator is operable, upon receiving power, to transition the locking assembly between the locked state and the unlocked state. The energy storage device is electrically coupled to the electromechanical actuator, and configured to store electrical power from the power supply when the drive assembly is coupled to the power supply. The control system is configured to couple the drive assembly to the power supply in response to a first condition, and to thereafter transmit energy only from the energy storage device to power the electromechanical actuator, based at least in part upon a level of energy stored in the energy storage device.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). Locations of collection, charging and distribution machines having available charged portable electrical energy storage devices are communicated to or acquired by a mobile device of a user, or displayed on a collection, charging and distribution machine. The locations are indicated on a graphical user interface on a map on a user's mobile device relative to the user's current location. The user may use their mobile device select particular locations on the map to reserve an available portable electrical energy storage device. The system nay also warn the user that the user is near an edge of the pre-determined area having portable electrical energy storage device collection, charging and distribution machines. Reservations may also be made automatically based on information regarding a potential route of a user.

An embodiment of an electronic access control system includes an electronic access apparatus, an electronic lock, and an access control administration program. The electronic access apparatus provides a wireless power signal and a wireless digital data signal to the electronic lock. The wireless power signal can be the only source of power used by the electronic lock to actuate an electronic lock mechanism. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism includes a piezoelectric latch.

A security device for an item of merchandise is provided. The security device includes a non-programmable locking mechanism comprising a mechanical lock and a programmable locking mechanism comprising a monitoring circuit operatively coupled to an alarm. The security device is configured to secure an item of merchandise from theft or removal when the mechanical lock is locked and to be separated from the item of merchandise when the mechanical lock is unlocked. The alarm is configured to provide an alarm signal if the security device is separated from the item of merchandise while the monitoring circuit is armed.

Disclosed are various embodiments of lock devices, systems, and methods. A lock of the application can include an internal mechanism to permit backdriven operation and lost motion operation. In one form the lock can be made from an assembly of parts that have locating features that require one way installation/assembly. The lock can include an internal power source capable of driving electronics used to determine handedness of a door.

An electronic door lock is operable to control access to an access controlled area adjacent the inner side of a door. The door lock includes an outer base, an inner base, a locking mechanism movable between a locked and unlocked position in response to a control signal, and a control circuit disposed within the inner base and operable to generate the control signal in response to the presentation of an input credential. A plurality of different types of credential readers are each selectively attachable and removable from an attachment interface when the outer base is attached to the door to electrically connect the selected one of the plurality of different types of credential readers to the control circuit. The selected credential reader receives data from a user or credential and generates the input credential. A communication module is operable to communicate with a device separate from the electronic door lock.

The invention discloses several types of fastener, fastening systems, fastener assemblies and related areas.

In particular, the invention relates to a releasable fastening system (50) which has a pin (152) with a locking cavity (163). The pin is intended for insertion in an aperture (154). A locking means (158, 160) engages the locking cavity (163) of the pin (152) when the pin (152) is received in the aperture (154). The system (150) also includes unlocking means (162) which includes material adapted to contract when activated. When a material contracts, engagement means (158) included in the locking means (158, 160), disengage the locking cavity (154).

Electrified access-control technology devices for a door, particularly electrified locks for a door, having embedded circuitry therein, and methods of making the same. One or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) having various electronic circuitry are secured inside a housing that encases an access-control device, particularly a lock, for a door. The one or more PCB(s) may be embedded on an internal surface of the housing such that the embedded PCB resides inside the housing along with the lock itself. The embedded PCB(s) avoid interference of both any working components of the lock inside the housing and any openings residing in the housing.

An electrically actuated locking mechanism may include a microprocessor for control of the locking mechanism, and the locking mechanism may be used to lock a drawer slide in a closed position. The microprocessor may be in a housing of the locking mechanism, and the microprocessor may command a motor to operate in a first direction to drive lock components to a locked status and command the motor to operate in a second direction to drive the lock components to an unlocked state.