The Eastern Company

Thomas Heinrich

Timothy P Laabs

Michael O Misner

Matthew D Schroll

Brian M Ott

A simple kit of parts is provided that can be used to replace a few easily removed elements of a lockable push button actuator of a mechanical locking mechanism to convert the push button actuator to a lockable actuator for controlling a switch that can serve as a component of an electrical locking system. Other aspects of the invention relate to a method of making the mechanical to electrical conversion, and to a lockable actuator for operating an electrical switch connected to the actuator.

Electrical switch operated by lockable push button actuator, and retrofit method and kit

A latching system includes a control unit that houses a remote signal responsive relay and a crank arm that is pivoted by the armature of the relay when the relay is energized to oppositely move a pair of elongate links each of which is connected to a separate latch assembly for moving operating arms of the latch assemblies to unlatched positions for causing the latch assemblies to release their latched engagement with strikers that hold a closure closed.

Linkage operated latching system

Retaining clip for cam lock

Portions of a cam lock with retaining clip

A method and means for releasably connecting the body of an electrical component such as a switch assembly to a support housing that surrounds at least a portion of the body of the switch assembly, for example the tubular body of a key operated lock adapted to operate a switch when a key is turned in the lock. A specially configured spring clip has resilient legs that extend through slots formed in opposite sides of the support housing and into engagement with formations provided on opposite sides of the body of the electrical component not only to maintain a connection between the body and the support housing but also to bias the electrical component into engagement with at least one stop formation defined by the support housing to ensure that the electrical component is properly positioned relative to the support housing.

Key operated switch having removable clip retained switch assembly

Front portions of a push button lock having a rotatable operating knob

Front portions of a push button lock

Front portions of a rotatable operating knob for latches and locks

Front portions of a rotatable operating knob with escutcheon plate for latches and locks

Key operated cam lock with three rounded cam arms

Key operated cam lock with hook-shaped cam

Growing community of inventors

Streamwood, IL, United States of America

Thomas Heinrich