Electronic latch apparatus and method
US6463773B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 5, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 15, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 5, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T292/1082
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A latch assembly, comprising a control element having a pivot point and an actuator. The actuator has a first position in which the control element is engaged by the actuator for pivotal movement about the pivot point and a second position in which the control element is disengaged by the actuator from pivotal movement about the pivot point. The latch assembly further includes a ratchet arranged and configured for rotation with the control element when the control element is engaged by the actuator and for non-rotation when the control element is disengaged by the actuator. A highly preferred embodiment of the invention includes an automatic unlocking circuit powered by a backup power source.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.