{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9852566","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9852566","title":"Devices and methods for locking and unlocking mechanical equipment","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-09-18T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["G07C","G07C","G07C"],"num_claims":21,"abstract":"An electronic locking device for selectively locking a medical device includes an antenna configured to wirelessly receive information from an identification tag, wherein the identification tag comprises unlocked duration period data, a motor coupled to the antenna, and a locking pin coupled to the motor, wherein the motor is configured to transition the locking pin from a locked position to an unlocked position for a predetermined period of time prescribed by the unlocked duration period data in response to an unlocking signal received by the antenna from the identification tag, wherein the locking pin is configured to prevent usage of the medical device in the locked position and allow usage of the medical device in the unlocked position."},"analysis":{"summary":"The patent titled \"Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment\" introduces a groundbreaking electronic locking device designed to provide intelligent, time-bound access control for mechanical equipment, with a specific emphasis on medical devices. At its core, this innovation addresses the critical need for enhanced security and precise usage management in environments where equipment misuse can have severe consequences.\n\nThe system operates via an electronic locking device equipped with an antenna. This antenna wirelessly communicates with an identification tag, which is programmed to carry crucial \"unlocked duration period data.\" This data is a key differentiator, moving beyond simple binary access to allow for time-limited authorization. When the antenna receives an unlocking signal, along with this duration data, a motor coupled to the antenna is activated. This motor then precisely transitions a locking pin from a locked position, where it prevents usage, to an unlocked position, allowing the medical device to be operated.\n\nThe locking pin remains in the unlocked state only for the exact predetermined period prescribed by the identification tag's data. Once this period elapses, the motor automatically returns the locking pin to its locked position, re-securing the equipment and preventing further use. This mechanism ensures that equipment is not only protected from unauthorized access but also managed according to strict operational windows, enhancing compliance and safety.\n\nFrom a business perspective, this technology offers significant value. It minimizes the risk of human error and misuse, reduces liability, and streamlines asset management by providing granular control and usage data. Potential applications extend beyond medical devices to industrial machinery, laboratory equipment, and any high-value assets requiring regulated, time-sensitive access. The market opportunity lies in industries demanding robust security, automated compliance, and optimized operational workflows, positioning this patent as a pivotal development in intelligent access control solutions.","layman_explanation":"### 1. What Problem Does This Solve?\nImagine a hospital with expensive, specialized medical equipment – perhaps a specific type of diagnostic machine or a surgical robot. Ensuring that only trained, authorized personnel use these machines, and only for the duration they are needed, is a huge challenge. If an unauthorized person uses a machine, or if someone uses it past its calibration date, it can lead to costly damage, inaccurate diagnoses, or even patient harm. Traditional security, like physical keys or simple ID badges, often falls short because they grant all-or-nothing access and can't enforce time limits or dynamic usage rules. The core business problem is the lack of granular, automated control over high-value assets, leading to inefficiencies, compliance risks, and potential safety hazards.\n\n### 2. How Does It Work?\n\"Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment\" introduces an intelligent electronic lock. Think of it like a smart padlock for machines. This padlock has a small antenna, like a mini radio receiver. When someone wants to use a machine, they present a special ID tag – similar to a credit card, but smarter. This ID tag doesn't just say, \"I'm authorized\"; it also carries a crucial piece of information: \"You can use this machine for the next two hours,\" or \"This machine is available until 3 PM.\" This is what the patent calls \"unlocked duration period data.\"\n\nWhen the machine's antenna receives this information from the ID tag, an internal mechanism – a small motor – gets a signal. This motor then moves a physical locking pin, retracting it to \"unlock\" the machine. Now, the machine can be used. But here's the clever part: the motor only keeps the pin retracted for the exact time specified by the ID tag. Once those two hours are up, or 3 PM arrives, the motor automatically pushes the locking pin back into place, re-locking the machine. It's like a self-locking timer, ensuring the machine is only available precisely when and for how long it's needed, without any manual intervention.\n\n### 3. Why Does This Matter?\nThis innovation has significant implications for businesses, particularly in regulated industries. For a hospital, it means vastly improved patient safety by ensuring critical equipment is always used by certified professionals within its operational parameters. It automates compliance with strict medical regulations, reducing the risk of fines and legal issues. From an asset management perspective, the technology provides invaluable data on equipment utilization, helping optimize scheduling, reduce downtime, and extend the lifespan of expensive machinery. This translates directly into cost savings, increased operational efficiency, and a stronger competitive position. For investors, this patent represents a scalable solution addressing a pervasive need for intelligent asset control in a growing market.\n\n### 4. What's Next?\nThe future applications for this technology are vast. Beyond medical devices, it could be applied to industrial robots, specialized tools in manufacturing, laboratory instruments, or even high-security research equipment. We could see integration with scheduling software, predictive maintenance systems, and even dynamic pricing models for shared equipment. As industries continue to embrace automation and data-driven decision-making, this innovation could become a standard for ensuring both security and efficiency. Expect to see early adoption in critical infrastructure and healthcare, with broader market penetration as the benefits become undeniable and the technology integrates seamlessly into existing operational frameworks.","technical_analysis":"The patent \"Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment\" details an electronic locking device representing a significant advancement in intelligent access control for mechanical apparatus, particularly within the medical domain. The technical architecture is elegantly simple yet robust, focusing on precise, time-bound electro-mechanical actuation.\n\n**Technical Architecture and Components:**\n1.  **Antenna (Wireless Receiver):** This component is the primary interface for external communication. It is configured to wirelessly receive data from an identification tag. While the patent doesn't specify the exact wireless protocol (e.g., RFID, NFC, Bluetooth LE), the implication is a short-range, secure communication link capable of reliably transmitting data packets. Its role is critical for initiating the unlocking sequence and receiving the time-based authorization parameters.\n2.  **Identification Tag:** This is not a mere passive token. The patent explicitly states it comprises \"unlocked duration period data.\" This data is central to the invention's novelty. It's a numerical value or a time-stamp range that dictates the length of time the associated mechanical equipment can remain in an unlocked state. The tag likely contains a secure memory element and a transmitter/transponder to relay this information to the antenna.\n3.  **Motor:** Coupled directly to the antenna (implying a control circuit linking them), the motor is the electromechanical actuator responsible for the physical locking and unlocking action. It is designed to transition the locking pin. The motor must be precise and reliable, capable of repeatable movements to ensure consistent engagement and disengagement of the pin. This could be a small stepper motor, a servo motor, or a solenoid-driven mechanism, depending on the required force and precision.\n4.  **Locking Pin:** This is the physical security element. It is mechanically coupled to the motor and is designed to move between two distinct states: a 'locked' position (preventing usage of the medical device) and an 'unlocked' position (allowing usage). The design of the pin and its interface with the mechanical equipment would be critical to prevent tampering or forced access.\n\n**Implementation Details and Algorithm Specifics:**\nUpon receiving an \"unlocking signal\" and the \"unlocked duration period data\" from the identification tag via the antenna, an internal control unit (not explicitly detailed but implied by the system's logic) processes this information. The core algorithm would involve:\n1.  **Signal Reception and Validation:** The antenna receives the wireless signal. The control unit validates the identification tag's authenticity and the integrity of the duration data.\n2.  **Timer Initialization:** A timer within the control unit is initialized with the 'unlocked duration period data.' This timer begins counting down immediately upon successful validation and initiation of the unlock sequence.\n3.  **Motor Actuation (Unlock):** The control unit sends a signal to the motor, instructing it to move the locking pin from the locked to the unlocked position. This action allows the mechanical device to be used.\n4.  **Monitoring and Re-locking:** The control unit continuously monitors the initialized timer. Once the timer reaches zero (i.e., the predetermined duration has elapsed), the control unit sends a signal to the motor to move the locking pin back to the locked position, thereby re-securing the equipment.\n\n**Integration Patterns and Performance Characteristics:**\nThe system is inherently designed for integration. The wireless communication facilitates easy deployment without extensive wiring. The identification tags could be integrated into existing employee badges or specialized access tokens. Performance characteristics would revolve around:\n*   **Response Time:** The latency between tag presentation and unlocking action must be minimal for practical use.\n*   **Reliability:** The motor and locking pin mechanism must be highly reliable, ensuring consistent locking and unlocking over many cycles.\n*   **Security:** The wireless communication (e.g., encryption) and physical robustness of the lock are paramount to prevent unauthorized access or circumvention.\n*   **Power Efficiency:** Especially for battery-powered medical devices, the electronic locking device must be energy-efficient.\n\n**Code-Level Implications:**\nFrom a software perspective, the control unit would likely run embedded firmware. Key modules would include: wireless communication drivers (for the antenna), data parsing and validation logic (for the identification tag data), timer management, and motor control algorithms (e.g., PID control for precise pin positioning). Error handling for invalid tags, communication failures, or mechanical obstructions would also be crucial. The ability to update the 'unlocked duration period data' on the identification tags would require a separate programming interface or a secure network connection to the tag management system. This robust design provides a secure and automated method for managing access to sensitive equipment.","business_analysis":"The patent \"Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment\" introduces an innovation with substantial business implications, particularly in sectors where the controlled and time-bound use of high-value or sensitive mechanical equipment is paramount. This technology addresses critical operational and compliance challenges, opening significant market opportunities.\n\n**Market Opportunity Size:**\nThe primary target market includes healthcare (hospitals, clinics, laboratories), manufacturing (specialized machinery, tools), and research & development (lab instruments, prototypes). The global market for medical device security alone is projected to reach billions, driven by increasing regulatory scrutiny, the rising cost of equipment, and the paramount need for patient safety. Beyond medical, the industrial IoT and smart factory markets are also rapidly expanding, with a growing demand for intelligent asset management and access control solutions. This patent taps into a broad market seeking to minimize misuse, optimize asset utilization, and automate compliance.\n\n**Competitive Advantages:**\nThis invention offers several distinct competitive advantages:\n1.  **Granular, Time-Bound Control:** Unlike traditional locks or basic RFID systems that offer binary (on/off) access, this system provides dynamic, time-limited access. The 'unlocked duration period data' is a critical differentiator, allowing for precise scheduling and preventing use beyond authorized windows. This offers a superior level of control and auditing capability.\n2.  **Enhanced Compliance and Safety:** Especially in healthcare, where regulatory adherence (e.g., HIPAA, FDA) and patient safety are non-negotiable, this system automates compliance by ensuring devices are used only by authorized personnel for specified durations. This reduces human error and liability risks.\n3.  **Operational Efficiency:** Automated locking and unlocking based on pre-programmed durations can streamline workflows, reduce manual oversight, and free up staff time. It also provides valuable data for asset utilization analysis, helping organizations optimize equipment deployment and maintenance schedules.\n4.  **Scalability and Integration:** The wireless nature of the identification tag communication allows for scalable deployment across numerous devices. The system can be integrated with existing hospital information systems (HIS), enterprise resource planning (ERP), or asset management platforms to dynamically update authorization parameters.\n\n**Revenue Potential and Business Models:**\nRevenue streams could include:\n*   **Hardware Sales:** Selling the electronic locking devices themselves.\n*   **Software/Platform Subscriptions:** Offering a cloud-based management platform for programming identification tags, tracking usage data, and generating compliance reports.\n*   **Integration Services:** Providing custom integration with existing enterprise systems.\n*   **Consulting and Support:** Offering specialized services for deployment, training, and ongoing maintenance.\n\nThe business model could be a hybrid of hardware sales with recurring software subscriptions, similar to many IoT solutions. Licensing the technology to medical device manufacturers or industrial equipment providers is another lucrative avenue.\n\n**Strategic Positioning:**\nCompanies leveraging this patent could position themselves as leaders in intelligent asset security, compliance automation, and operational optimization. They could target segments struggling with equipment misuse, high maintenance costs due to improper use, or stringent regulatory environments. This technology enables a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to equipment management.\n\n**ROI Projections:**\nOrganizations adopting this technology could expect significant ROI through:\n*   **Reduced Equipment Damage/Loss:** By preventing unauthorized or improper use.\n*   **Lower Insurance Premiums/Liability:** Due to enhanced safety and compliance.\n*   **Improved Asset Utilization:** By optimizing scheduling and reducing idle time.\n*   **Decreased Labor Costs:** By automating manual tracking and oversight.\n*   **Avoidance of Fines/Penalties:** By ensuring robust regulatory compliance.\n\nOverall, the Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment patent presents a compelling business case for addressing critical security and operational challenges across multiple high-value industries. Its innovative approach to time-bound access control positions it as a key enabler for the next generation of smart, secure, and compliant equipment management systems.","faqs":[{"answer":"Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment is a patent (US-9852566) for an electronic locking device designed to provide intelligent, time-limited access control for mechanical equipment, with a particular focus on medical devices. This innovative system moves beyond traditional locks by incorporating dynamic authorization based on a specified duration.\n\nThe core of this invention lies in its ability to wirelessly receive 'unlocked duration period data' from an identification tag. This data dictates precisely how long a piece of equipment, such as a medical device, can be used once unlocked. The system then physically prevents usage of the medical device in a locked position and only allows usage in an unlocked position for that predetermined timeframe.\n\nEssentially, the Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment functions as a smart guardian for valuable assets, ensuring they are only operational by authorized personnel for the exact period required. This enhances both security and operational compliance in critical environments. It represents a significant advancement in the field of intelligent access control, providing a robust solution to prevent misuse and optimize asset management.","question":"What is Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment?"},{"answer":"The Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment operates through a sophisticated sequence of wireless communication and electro-mechanical actuation. First, the electronic locking device, which is integrated with the mechanical equipment, features an antenna.\n\nThis antenna is configured to wirelessly receive information from an identification tag. Crucially, this identification tag contains 'unlocked duration period data' – a specific timeframe or expiry point for which the equipment is authorized for use. Upon receiving a valid unlocking signal along with this duration data, an internal control unit (implied by the system's logic) processes the information and initiates a timer.\n\nSubsequently, a motor, which is coupled to the antenna's control unit, is activated. This motor then transitions a physical locking pin from a 'locked' position, where it physically prevents the equipment's operation, to an 'unlocked' position, allowing its usage. The pin remains in the unlocked state only for the precise duration dictated by the 'unlocked duration period data.' Once this period elapses, the motor automatically returns the locking pin to its locked position, re-securing the equipment and preventing further use until a new, valid time-limited authorization is provided. This automated, time-sensitive mechanism is central to the functionality of this patent.","question":"How does Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment work?"},{"answer":"The Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment patent primarily solves the multifaceted problem of inadequate security, compliance, and asset management for high-value or sensitive mechanical equipment, particularly medical devices. Traditional locking methods, whether mechanical keys or basic electronic badges, often fall short because they offer only binary (on/off) access, lacking the ability to enforce time limits on usage.\n\nThis leads to several issues: unauthorized extended use of equipment, potential misuse by untrained personnel, difficulty in tracking actual operational hours for maintenance and compliance, and increased risk of damage or patient safety incidents. For instance, a medical device might be used beyond its calibration schedule, or by a clinician whose certification for that specific device has expired. Existing solutions often rely on manual oversight, which is prone to human error and inefficiency.\n\nThis invention addresses these challenges by providing a system that not only authenticates users but also enforces a precise 'unlocked duration period,' ensuring that equipment is used only when authorized, for the exact time needed, and then automatically re-secured. This significantly reduces risks, improves compliance, and streamlines operational workflows across various industries.","question":"What problem does Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment solve?"},{"answer":"The patent document for Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment (US-9852566) does not list specific inventors in the provided data. This information is typically found within the full patent document itself, under the 'Inventors' section.\n\nIn many patent filings, especially those assigned to corporations, the inventors are individuals or teams of engineers and researchers who developed the technology. While the immediate data doesn't specify names, the innovation represents the culmination of research and development efforts aimed at enhancing security and control for mechanical equipment.\n\nFor precise inventor details, one would need to consult the complete patent filing available through official patent databases. The focus of this patent, however, remains on the technological advancement it introduces, regardless of the individual creators.","question":"Who invented Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment?"},{"answer":"The Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment offers several key benefits that enhance security, efficiency, and compliance across various applications.\n\nFirstly, it provides **granular, time-bound access control**. Unlike traditional systems, this invention allows for precise control over *how long* a piece of equipment can be used, not just *if* it can be used. This is enabled by the 'unlocked duration period data' within the identification tag.\n\nSecondly, it ensures **automated compliance and enhanced safety**. By automatically re-locking the equipment after the specified duration, the system minimizes human error and ensures adherence to operational protocols, particularly crucial in regulated environments like healthcare. This directly contributes to patient safety by preventing unauthorized or improper use of medical devices.\n\nThirdly, this technology leads to **optimized asset management**. With precise control over usage duration, organizations can better track equipment utilization, schedule preventive maintenance more effectively, and extend the lifespan of costly assets. It provides valuable data for operational insights, reducing downtime and operational overhead. Overall, this patent offers a robust, intelligent solution for critical equipment management.","question":"What are the key benefits of Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment?"},{"answer":"The Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment significantly differentiates itself from prior art by introducing dynamic, time-bound physical access enforcement. Traditional mechanical locks offer basic physical security but lack any form of electronic control, audit trails, or time limits. Basic electronic access systems (like simple RFID or keypad locks) provide binary access (on/off) and may log entry, but they do not actively enforce a usage duration once access is granted.\n\nWhat sets this patent apart is the integration of 'unlocked duration period data' directly into the access mechanism. The identification tag doesn't just grant access; it dictates *for how long* the equipment can be used. The system then automatically re-locks the equipment when that predetermined period expires. Prior art solutions often rely on manual processes or software-only logging to enforce time limits, which can be circumvented or forgotten.\n\nIn essence, while prior art focuses on *who* can access, this invention adds the critical dimension of *when* and *for how long*, and crucially, *enforces* it physically and automatically. This proactive, intelligent control mechanism makes Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment a superior solution for managing sensitive mechanical equipment and ensuring strict compliance.","question":"How is Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment different from prior art?"},{"answer":"The Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment patent is poised to significantly impact several industries, particularly those that manage high-value, sensitive, or regulated mechanical equipment. While the abstract specifically highlights medical devices, its applications are far broader.\n\n**Healthcare:** This industry stands to benefit immensely. The technology can secure everything from surgical robots and diagnostic imaging equipment to infusion pumps and specialized tools. It will enhance patient safety, streamline regulatory compliance, and optimize asset utilization within hospitals, clinics, and laboratories.\n\n**Manufacturing & Industrial Automation:** Factories using expensive machinery, specialized tools, or robotic arms can implement this system to ensure only certified operators use equipment during specific shifts or for particular tasks. This prevents misuse, reduces damage, and improves overall operational efficiency and safety.\n\n**Research & Development:** Laboratories and R&D facilities can use this innovation to control access to sensitive experimental setups, prototypes, or valuable scientific instruments, ensuring data integrity and preventing unauthorized interference.\n\n**Rental Equipment:** Companies renting out specialized tools or heavy machinery could use this system to automatically enforce rental periods, with equipment locking itself once the paid duration expires. This broad applicability makes the Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment a versatile solution for modern asset management challenges.","question":"What industries will Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment impact?"},{"answer":"The patent for Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment, identified as US-9852566, has clear dates associated with its lifecycle.\n\nThe **Filing Date** for this patent was **2015-09-18**. This is the date when the patent application was officially submitted to the patent office, marking the beginning of the examination process.\n\nThe **Publication Date** for this patent was **2017-12-26**. This is the date when the patent was officially granted and published by the patent office. The publication signifies that the patent has passed examination and its claims have been deemed novel, non-obvious, and useful, granting the patent holder exclusive rights to the invention for a specified period.\n\nThese dates are important for understanding the patent's timeline and its position within the intellectual property landscape. The period between filing and publication indicates the time taken for the patent examination process.","question":"When was Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment filed/granted?"},{"answer":"The commercial applications of Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment are extensive, driven by the universal need for enhanced security, precise control, and automated compliance for mechanical assets. Its ability to provide time-bound access makes it highly valuable across numerous sectors.\n\nIn **healthcare**, this patent enables the creation of 'smart' medical devices that can only be operated by authorized personnel for specific durations. This is crucial for surgical tools, diagnostic equipment, and medication dispensing systems, improving patient safety and simplifying regulatory audits. Hospitals can reduce liability and optimize asset utilization.\n\nIn **manufacturing**, the technology can secure expensive machinery, robotics, and specialized tools. It ensures that only certified technicians or operators can activate equipment during their shifts or for particular production runs, preventing misuse and enhancing workplace safety. This also helps in tracking machine usage for predictive maintenance.\n\nFor **rental companies**, it offers an automated way to enforce rental periods for equipment like power tools or construction machinery, with devices automatically locking upon expiry of the paid duration. Additionally, **research and development laboratories** can use this system to control access to sensitive instruments or experimental setups, ensuring data integrity and preventing unauthorized access. The core innovation of Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment facilitates a wide range of commercially viable solutions for intelligent asset management.","question":"What are the commercial applications of Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment?"},{"answer":"The future developments for Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment are likely to revolve around enhanced integration, intelligence, and broader application. We can expect this technology to evolve into even more sophisticated asset management solutions.\n\nOne key area of development will be **deeper integration with enterprise systems**. Future versions could seamlessly connect with hospital information systems (HIS), enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms, or dedicated asset management software. This would allow for real-time, dynamic updates of 'unlocked duration period data' based on staff schedules, training certifications, or equipment maintenance status, moving towards truly autonomous asset management.\n\nAnother development could involve **contextual awareness and predictive capabilities**. The system might integrate with additional sensors (e.g., environmental, biometric, equipment health sensors) to make access decisions based on a wider range of parameters beyond just time. For example, a device might only unlock if the user is authenticated, within a specific time window, AND if the device's internal diagnostics indicate it's safe to operate. This could also feed into predictive maintenance models, where the lock status could signal upcoming service needs.\n\nFinally, **enhanced security and scalability** will be continuous areas of focus, including more robust encryption for wireless communication and the ability to manage vast fleets of equipment across multiple locations. The Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment lays the groundwork for a future where physical assets are not just locked, but intelligently managed, monitored, and optimized.","question":"What are the future developments expected for Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment?"}],"topics":["Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment","electronic locking device","medical device security","time-limited access","wireless access control","landscape","industrial","medical"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Smart Lock for Medical Equipment - Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment","description":"Discover the Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment patent: an electronic lock for medical devices with time-limited wireless access control. Enhance security & compliance.","keywords":["Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment","electronic locking device","medical device security","time-limited access","wireless access control","identification tag","mechanical equipment lock","patent US-9852566","healthcare technology","asset management"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9852566","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9852566","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Devices and methods for locking and unlocking mechanical equipment\" (US-9852566). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9852566","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9852566","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9852566","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-06-06T16:00:25.840Z"}