Electronic Latches

When it comes to locker use, winning the war against theft can be tough. Whether an employer requires its employees to keep their belongings in a locker during their shifts, or a business offers lockers for customer use, security must always be at the forefront of operations. Because even codes to the most sophisticated combination can be cracked and keys can be stolen or copied, locker manufacturers are looking at new ways to deter theft - and many are turning to electronic access solutions.

A locker manufacturer recently approached Southco engineers about specifying a latching system for an upgraded line of lockers designed to protect more valuable belongings in both work and leisure settings, such as expo facilities and athletic clubs. Its engineers were mainly interested in a heavy-duty internal latch to be housed in the locker door, as well as a more unique option for user access than a key or combination lock.

Our engineers recommended the EA-KC2 Membrane Keypad Access Controller and R4-EM Electronic Rotary Latch, which simplify access management with a self-contained unit, meaning no external connections or software are required to program or operate the system.

The Membrane Keypad Controller contains a microprocessor that compares the stored user access codes with what is being entered on the corresponding Membrane Keypad and either grants or denies access. The Controller also provides two outputs for independent control of two separate latches and works with the Membrane Keypad, which can hold 120, four-digit user codes.

The R4-EM Electronic Rotary Latch, which features a secure, concealed electronic release latching solution, can be wired into the Membrane Keypad Access Controller system and when the Controller recognizes the code entered by the user, it will release the R4-EM latch. The user need only push to close the locker door and the latch will re-secure- itself.

How can electronic electronic access solutions enhance your locking applications? Tell us in the comments.

The Southco Honeoye Falls Facility is nurturing the next generation of engineers through the sponsorship of a team of local high-school students, who not only competed in this year’s regional FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), but took the top honor against 41 teams.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. FIRST sponsors events for K-12 students which are designed to help them discover and develop a passion for science, engineering, technology and math.

As the main focus of this year’s FRC, Honeoye’s team, the SUITS (Students Utilizing Ingenuity Technology and Science) created a robot that they used to participate in this year’s tournament, which required them to compete against other teams by executing a series of tasks for points.

The robot, which was designed and completely built within six weeks according to strict FIRST deadlines, also helped the team to secure the Rookie Highest Seed Award in addition to their victory at the Finger Lakes Regional Competition at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in March.

Building a robot in only six weeks was no easy task. However, when it comes to design, Southco’s engineers are always up for a challenge. It’s only natural that Honeoye Falls’ own Rick Langkamp, Manager of Manufacturing Technology and New Product Development, would jump at the opportunity to mentor the SUITS and help them design, execute and test a robot in such a short time.

“It’s a very aggressive timeframe,” said Langkamp, who has over 28 years of experience with Southco. “It would be a stretch even if I brought it in here as a regular project.”

Langkamp is no stranger to FIRST – his own son has participated in the FIRST LEGO-League, a category for kids grades 4-8. Langkamps’s main focus as a mentor for the SUITS team is assisting them in the programming for the control system of the robot.

Langkamp, who has been with Southco since he was an engineering co-op, works primarily with mechanical and electronic controls and sensors, focusing on new product development and new manufacturing processes. He was impressed with the quality and sophistication of the software and full kit of electronic parts available to his team, which are provided by FIRST sponsors and are available to them for a full 12 months.

“We never had access to this cool stuff when I was a kid,” said Langkamp. “Imagine the potential of kids who come up through the program and what they could contribute to the future of engineering,” he said.

Southco’s products played a key role in the development of the team’s robot, said Langkamp. Scrap metal from Southco’s production facility, fasteners, latching hardware and other machined parts from the Honeoye Falls facility were used in the robot’s construction. Southco’s Information Technology (IT) team even donated several old laptops for the team to use when programming the robot.

The SUITS’ robot has a variety of advanced features and is designed to be as close to a real engineering experience as possible. Langkamp said that the robot-building process offered by FIRST is unique in that:

• The frame is typically built from aluminum channel , similar to 80/20 aluminum.
• A programmable logic controller from National instruments is included in the control system (These are programmed in Labview, Java, or C++).
• A wireless network access point is incorporated, as all robots are required to run on a wireless network during the competition.
• Electronics includes variable speed motors , switches, solenoids, servomechanisms and lighting.
• Many robots incorporate a camera and vision system as well as ultrasonic sensors, gyros and accelerometers.
• Teams also have the option of using a pneumatic compressor and air cylinders.
• It is up to each FRC team to decide how they want to design their robot using Autocad, Pro- E (CREO) and other software.
• The teams are held to a budget of $3200, with a maximum allowed robot weight of 120 lbs.

In addition to the robot design, FRC teams are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand” and work together as a team.  With the help of their team leader, Mike Shaughnessy, the SUITS have raised over $21K to pay for their entry fees and travel costs. The SUITS also sell LED light bulbs to support their team.

“It’s just a great program,” said Langkamp. “There is something for everyone because kids involved can choose to do marketing, fundraising and finance, not just engineering.”

Look for the SUITS’ logo, a black shirt with white tie, at the FIRST Championship competition, which will be hosted at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri on April 25-28. The SUITS (Team #3951) will compete against other regional winners as they contend for the top spot in the national competition.

It’s 2/3 the size of its big brother, features an integrated mechanical override and boasts a more efficient gear motor. Meet the Miniature E-Keeper System—a slimmed-down access solution that provides push-to-close operation in one unit.

This compact unit means that transitioning from mechanical solutions to electronic access solutions could not be simpler. It’s easy to install and can be added right to a frame for use with existing latches. If security is a major concern, it can mounted in a concealed location with remote mechanical override. Which means—yes—it is perfect for applications like medical storage units, postal terminals and other secured enclosures. Put simply, it is designed to simplify access while providing convenience, security and control.

Another great thing about the Mini? It’s flexible. So it’ll work with keypads, key fobs, card swipes…an array of different actuation devices. That versatility means you can integrate the specific level of secure access control you require. It accommodates multiple mounting configurations, too, so it can be easily integrated into existing designs. Ahh…secure electronic or manual operation without having to modify enclosure designs. That’ll make OEMs happy!

To share your thoughts on the E-Keeper or learn more about Southco’s complete system offerings, leave us a comment here. We’d love to hear from you!

Most of us operated a rotary latch the last time we opened a car door. It holds the door tight when closed but can be opened with a simple pull on the car handle. Seems pretty easy, right? So do we really need to hook wires up to it and have a motor open it for us? Well, in a lot of cases…yes! The simple addition of electronics to a standard rotary latch opens a new world of possibilities. 

A mechanical rotary latch is commonly opened with a cable that is routed to it from an actuator, usually a handle or button. Depending on the cable routing and the closing force of the latch, it may require a significant amount of effort to open. An electronic rotary latch is actuated by a signal rather than a cable. The gear-motor drive opens the latch with a push of a button, which makes it an ideal fit for applications with high loads or long cable runs.  

Perhaps you have an application where multiple latches are connected to the same keypad or controller. Or an application where you do not want a door ejected by the latch. Or maybe vandal resistance is a key concern driving latch selection. Well, Southco’s Delayed Re-lock R4-EM takes the versatile rotary latch technology of its predecessor and marries it with the ability to control the unlock time. 
 
The new version electrically unlocks to enable manual release. A signal is sent to the latch and the trigger is moved to the unlocked position for as long as the signal is present. So a door can remain open or closed for as long as you wish. When the signal is removed, the trigger moves back to the locked position so the door can be pushed closed and secured. It’s as simple as that. And the benefits are plentiful, including low power consumption, high load capability, optional feedback and simple installation. There is nothing else available that provides the performance of this latch in such a compact size. It’s got a lot of punch in an efficient package.

To share your thoughts on the R4-EM rotary latch or learn more about Southco’s complete Electronic Access offerings, email us or visit our site at http://www.southco.com

Part 1 of a 3-part series on off-highway access components

It might not be a Mercedes, but it just might cost as much! Off-highway vehicles and machinery are not cheap, so security is an obvious necessity. And anyone who has worked with off-highway equipment knows that convenience and durability are also paramount. Southco recognizes the challenges of marrying these features together in reliable, affordable entry door components.

If you’ve operated multiple vehicles on a job site, then you know the joy of multiple keys. Not exactly convenient. Electronic key systems allow operators different access privileges across a large number of vehicles. A key fob, information reader and validation controller all work together seamlessly with Southco electromechanical locks so users can program, add and delete keys with the simple press of a button. Security and convenience in one!

Southco’s actuators and latches are designed to ensure durability and ergonomic comfort in heavy duty vehicles and equipment. Corrosion-resistant products mean you won’t see rust and deterioration, and push-to-close convenience ensures you won't break a sweat struggling to close a squeaking door.

Let’s face it; it’s not always easy to choose the right latch, the right actuator and the right cables. So rather than just offering a latch, Southco offers a complete system. To share your thoughts on entry door solutions or learn more about Southco’s complete system offerings, email us or download your copy of our Design Guide today.

 Coming Next: Part 2— Chassis Components for a Rugged Environment

 

Remote Monitoring Solutions

Part 3 of a 3-part series on Electronic Access Solutions

It might be a simple indicator light or a sophisticated monitoring system. Whatever the choice, a remote monitoring solution is the final piece to a full Electronic Access Solution (EAS).

So how does it work? Let’s take Southco’s H3-EM Electronic Locking Swinghandle as an example. In this scenario, the Swinghandle provides electronic access security to datacenter cabinets. Its integrated sensors and multiple output signals provide data for both local and remote monitoring.  The swinghandle can be integrated with industry standard rack monitoring solutions with a simple retrofit, and the microprocessor-controlled gear motor design ensures minimal power consumption and multi-event status reporting.

The possibilities with today’s remote monitoring solutions are endless. You can provide an electronic “signature” each time a lock is actuated. Combined with a unique input credential, the system can provide the necessary output to networked systems to control and monitor access from any remote location. You can use an EAS with an existing networked control system that is down the hall or across the globe. And we can help.

 If you'd like to get started on an electronic access solution integration, be sure to check out our new EAS Guide. It will walk you through the basic components you will need for your system. Once you know what you want, contact our dedicated design team with your design requirements so we can help get your project rolling!

Atlanta in March – a nice break from the snow and cold! Someone forgot to tell the weatherman, as two inches of snow landed on the Atlanta landscape and caused school closings, business closings, and airport craziness…

Inside the Georgia World Congress Center  people seemed not to notice. HIMSS10 (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society) Conference and Exhibition offered networking opportunities and over 300 educational sessions regarding the latest solutions for improving healthcare through IT, including EHRs and HIPPA requirements.

The halls seemed to go on forever, with more than 900 exhibiting companies showing their latest innovations including medical carts, cabinets, software, networks, and security solutions to name a few.   The 27,000+ attendees walked the show, visited booths, played video golf, and Rock Band, and possibly even stopped by the well-attended daily happy hour at a booth I won’t mention by name.

As I walked the show, the applications I saw were endless.  Carts galore – from simple mobile workstations to very complex medication dispensing carts with electronic latching and full audit trail capability – most with Southco solutions! There were also many storage cabinets used for equipment, supplies and medications, again using Southco latches and hinges for a distinctive look and feel. Electronic access solutions seemed of great interest to nearly everyone we talked to as hospitals strive to ensure patient safety and privacy, while keeping medications controlled. On many occasions I found our electronic rotary latches and electronic strikes on applications at the conference. Which makes sense since I have often seen our design engineer’s workstations filled with pieces of medical equipment that they are developing new products for.

As the day went on my legs grew tired and I knew I had to refresh… a quick game of pop-a-shot and a Red Bull later, I was ready to explore again! And what did I find, but opportunities for Southco positioning control technology all over the expo. Ergonomics was on the top of everyone’s mind. The need to position monitors, devices and other medical equipment is vital to doctors, nurses and technicians work and companies are dedicating major resources to improving this area. There was a lot of interest in our new Dynamic Mounting Arm that allows easy positioning of screens and monitors. In addition to the Arm, our positioning control hinges will improve the flexibility of all kinds of medical equipment including wall mounts, cart monitors and even hand-held medical devices.

Well, I must close now… there is a lot of follow-up to be done for this fantastic show. Hope to see you next year in Orlando with Mickey!

Part 2 of a 3-part series on Electronic Access Solutions

So you’ve chosen the appropriate electromechanical lock or latch (EML) for your application. As we discussed before, your selection will dictate the ultimate design of the end product. As the heart of any system, the EML is critical to the overall quality of any Electronic System.

A self-contained solution, such as a keypad, can offer basic plug-and-play access control without the need for software or network administration. Users have the convenience of not having to carry a physical key or device, the ability to manage and monitor unique user access codes, and the flexibility to change codes without physically distributing new keys or access devices. Proximity based and remote RF control systems are wireless solutions that can simplify security for both large and small organizations. They offer hands-free convenience and the ability to open locks and latches without physical contact.

Southco's latest access control option is the electronic key. This little device if especially useful with applications that feature many users with differing access privileges across a large number of enclosures. If you haven't seen one before, it looks a lot like the key fob you probably use to unlock your car. It fits snugly in your hand, is easy to program and provides simple key code management without the need to stock multiple key codes.  Just press it against the remote sensor and the EML will open.  (We have a few demo panels of the electronic key system in the office and I have to admit...they are pretty fun to play with. Unfortunately this can be annoying to the EML design engineers so they deactivated my key to the demo panels!)

Whatever the need, there's an access control solution suited to our application.

To share your thoughts on Access Control or learn more about Southco’s offerings, email us or visit our site at http://www.southco.com/minisites/eas/Access-Control-Device.aspx

Coming Next: Part 3—Remote Monitoring Solutions

Part 1 of a 3-part series on Electronic Access Solutions

They are critical to the overall quality of any Electronic Access System. Their design influences everything from electrical requirements and physical security to ease of installation and design of the end product. I’m talking of course about the heart of every Electronic Access Solution: the electromechanical lock or latch (EML).

Here at Southco, the simple mechanical latch has transformed over the years into a reliable EML with the benefits of access control. I sit near the EML design group and it has been fantastic to witness the changes that have transpired!

With this transformation came amazing new benefits.

The design of the EML makes it an easy next step in security over mechanical latches. Its ability to provide access control (via a keypad, for example) opened up tremendous possibilities for full Electronic Access Systems. Today’s Southco EMLs feature gear motor drives that use less power and provide higher load capabilities than solenoid-driven solutions. They also provide built-in intelligence and heavy-duty, vandal-resistant performance—features lacking in the mechanical latches of the past.

From a more technical standpoint, the EML has also evolved to include mechanical override options and latch status monitoring from a simple indicator light to a sophisticated monitoring system. Southco has embraced recent technological changes with three new EMLs of its own: the R4-EM, H3-EM and E-Keeper. All three provide robust performance that makes for a simple transition from mechanical to electronic access.

To share your thoughts on EMLs or learn more about Southco’s offerings, email us or visit our site at www.southco.com/eas

Coming Next: Part 2—Access Control: The Human Interface

I recently came across an article on the ‘Construction Equipment’ website regarding theft deterrent technology that I found particularly interesting (see http://www.constructionequipment.com/article/CA6675702.html?nid=4843&rid=12166898 ).  Being a manufacturer of access hardware for the construction equipment industry I found this very interesting.

It occurred to me that although there are some great advances in technology that help prevent the engine being started and big steps forward to improve the chance of quick recovery of stolen vehicles, there has been little discussion about stopping unauthorised entry into the cab and from gaining access to other areas of the vehicle.  With expensive LCD ‘touch screen’ technology, stereo systems and personal belongings being stored in the cab, surely it is important to stop thieves being able to get in?

An area that we have focused on is electronic access solutions, incorporating technology not too dissimilar to that found on automobiles.  A great example of this is Southco's electronic rotary latch, the R4-EM.  The beauty of this technology is that it can significantly enhance the level of vehicle security (no matter where it is being parked or stored) while still providing the same level of convenience as a single key for fleet owners and rental companies.  For example, you could give certain operators access to certain vehicles, change access rights whenever needed and even track who used what equipment and when.

Could electronic access hardware work for you? Why do some original equipment manufacturers seem reluctant to integrate this technology?

It would be great to hear your thoughts on comments on this subject!