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 device for preventing unwanted opening of a locked enclosure includes a lock bolt moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A face gear is meshable with and rotatable by the worm gear between locking and unlocking positions when the worm gear is driven in the first and second directions, respectively. A blocker member is rotatable between first and second positions. A biasing member is operatively coupled to the face gear and the blocker member to bias the blocker member in a biasing direction. A sliding member selectively disengages the blocker member to allow the blocker member to rotate in the biasing direction. A lever arm is operatively coupled to the sliding member such that the lever arm is in the disengaged and engageable positions when the sliding member engages the blocker member in the first and second positions, respectively.

A system and method is provided for an enhanced and user friendly control circuit for an electric unlocking device, such as for example, an electric door strike or other unlocking devices utilizing actuating solenoids. The control circuit minimizes the potential for human error while also providing a small footprint, minimal DC in-rush current, over current protection, and minimized heat dissipation. Additionally, the present invention is directed to providing visual notification/diagnostics and improved field compatibility with existing electric unlocking devices.

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.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices. To charge, the machines employ electrical current from an external source. As demand at individual collection, charging and distribution machines increases or decreases relative to other collection, charging and distribution machines, a distribution management system initiates redistribution of portable electrical energy storage devices from one collection, charging and distribution machine to another collection, charging and distribution machine in an expeditious manner. Also, redeemable incentives are offered to users to return or exchange their portable electrical energy storage devices at selected collection, charging and distribution machines within the network to effect the redistribution.

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.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). To charge, the machines employ electrical current from an external source, such as the electrical grid or an electrical service of an installation location. By default, each portable electrical energy storage device is disabled from accepting a charge unless it receives authentication information from an authorized collection, charging and distribution machine, other authorized charging device, or other authorized device that transmits the authentication credentials. Also, by default, each portable electrical energy storage device is disabled from releasing energy unless it receives authentication information from an external device to which it will provide power, such as a vehicle or other authorization device.

An access control device generally includes an electromechanical actuator operable to transition the access control device between a locked state and an unlocked state, an energy storage device operable to store electrical power from a power supply, and control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to direct a first electrical power from the energy storage device to the electromechanical actuator in response to one or more first criteria. In a fail secure mode, the first electrical power is configured to cause the electromechanical actuator to transition the access control device to the locked state. In a fail safe mode, the first electrical power is configured to cause the electromechanical actuator to transition the access control device to the unlocked state. Certain embodiments further include a user-adjustable switch operable to transition the control circuitry between the fail secure mode and the fail safe mode.

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.

An electronic lock, such as a deadbolt, with a locking device movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lock includes a key fob including a RFID circuit indicative of a valid access code for the locking device. A circuit is provided that is configured to control movement of the locking device between the locked position and the unlocked position. The circuit includes a sensor, such as a contract sensor or a proximity sensor, which detects when a user is within range of a RFID device. When this happens, the sensor is configured to generate an electrical signal, which is used to activate the RFID device for a predetermined period of time. If the RFID device reads a valid access code, the device is unlocked.