Patent · US Expired

Electronic latch apparatus and method

US6848286B2 · kind B2 · utility

21Cited by
74References
45Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateOct 15, 2002
Grant dateFeb 1, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 15, 2022

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.