The invention provides a digital lock (100, 1001, 1002) including at least two magnets. One magnet is a semi hard magnet (310) and the other magnet is a hard magnet (320). The hard magnet (320) is configured to open or close the digital lock (100, 1001, 1002). The semi hard magnet (310) and the hard magnet (320) are placed adjacent to each other. A change in magnetisation polarisation of the semi hard magnet (310) is configured to push or pull the hard magnet (320) to open or close the digital lock (100, 1001, 1002).

A latching system and method are configured to selectively latch and unlatch a first component in relation to a second component. The latching system and method include an actuator, a first coupler secured to the actuator, a latch, and a second coupler secured to the latch. The first coupler is configured to couple to the second coupler to couple the actuator to the latch. The first coupler is configured to uncouple from the second coupler to uncouple the actuator from the latch in response to the latch being manually operated.

The invention provides a magnetic actuator (100, 1001, 1002) including at least two magnets. One magnet is a semi hard magnet (310) and the other magnet is a hard magnet (320). The hard magnet (320) is configured to open or close the magnetic actuator (100, 1001, 1002). The semi hard magnet (310) and the hard magnet (320) are placed adjacent to each other. A change in magnetization polarization of the semi hard magnet (310) is configured to push or pull the hard magnet (320) to open or close a digital lock realised with the magnetic actuator 100, 1001, 1002. The magnetic actuator of the invention can also be used to realise a valve.

One or more embodiments describe a magnetic actuator including at least two magnets. One magnet is a semi hard magnet and the other magnet is a hard magnet. The hard magnet is configured to open or close the magnetic actuator. The semi hard magnet and the hard magnet are placed adjacent to each other. A change in magnetization polarization of the semi hard magnet is configured to push or pull the hard magnet) to open or close a digital lock realised with the magnetic actuator. The magnetic actuator can also be used to realise a valve.

A clutch assembly for a lock includes a driver (1), having a driver shaft (9); a coupler (3); and a follower (2). The driver (1), the coupler (3) and the driver shaft (9) are configured to rotate concentrically together. The coupler (3) is configured to move along the central axis of the driver shaft (9) to couple to or decouple from the follower (2). The driver (1) and the follower (2) are configured to rotate concentrically together when the coupler (3) is engaged to the follower (2), and wherein the driver (1) and the follower (2) are configured to rotate independently when the coupler (3) is disengaged from the follower (2).

Barricade devices and methods of barricading a door are disclosed. Such devices and methods may be used to barricade a door, and thereby prevent an intruder from entering a sheltering space, such as a classroom, storeroom, or hallway. The barricade-device may have a pivotable stop-device that is pivotable from a location adjacent to a door. The pivot-location may be at an elevation that is lower than a door handle on the door. The stop-device may be pivotable from a reserve-position to a stop-position. In the reserve-position, the stop-device does not barricade the door. In the barricade-position, the stop-device barricades the door. Operation of the barricade-device may require the use of one or more major muscle groups of the body, but need not require precise dexterity of the fingers or hands (e.g. such as that required to manipulate small keys, latches, and/or the grasping and turning of assemblies). As such, the barricade-device may be used properly and quickly by a wide range of people having differing physical and mental capabilities.

Barricade devices and methods of barricading a door are disclosed. Such devices and methods may be used to barricade a door, and thereby prevent an intruder from entering a sheltering space, such as a classroom, storeroom, or hallway. The barricade-device may have a pivotable stop-device that is pivotable from a location adjacent to a door. The pivot-location may be at an elevation that is lower than a door handle. The stop-device may be pivotable from a reserve-position to a stop-position. In the reserve-position, the stop-device does not barricade the door. In the barricade-position, the stop-device barricades the door. Operation of the barricade-device may require the application of an activation operation to an activator. A wide range of people having differing physical and mental capabilities may use the barricade-device properly and quickly.

The embodiments presented within provide methods, devices, and systems that improve access control through the use of smart cylinder locks. In one embodiment, a smart cylinder may perform a process including receiving a key, emitting an energy source of electromagnetic radiation; detecting a change in the energy source due to a physical property of the key, determining the physical property of the key from the change in the energy source, comparing the physical property with a predetermined value, and engaging a mechanism operatively coupled to a locking device that allows the locking device to lock or unlock when the physical property matches the predetermined value.

A locking system is described. The locking system, includes a lock. The lock includes a semi-hard magnet and a hard magnet. The hard magnet is configured to move to open or close the lock, the lock is self-powered using near field communication (NFC), and the lock is digitally controlled using a mobile application.

Electromechanical lock and method are disclosed. The lock includes: a movable permanent magnet to move between a first position and a second position; a stationary permanent semi-hard magnet; and an electrically powered magnetization coil positioned adjacent to the stationary permanent semi-hard magnet to switch a polarity of the stationary permanent semi-hard magnet between a first magnetization configuration and a second magnetization configuration. The first magnetization configuration of the stationary permanent semi-hard magnet attracts the movable permanent magnet to the first position. The second magnetization configuration of the stationary permanent semi-hard magnet repels the movable permanent magnet to the second position. A magnetic axis of the movable permanent magnet is side by side with a magnetic axis of the stationary permanent semi-hard magnet.