Patent Publication Number: US-2022220775-A1

Title: Electrified latch

Description:
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER APPLICATIONS AND PATENTS 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/804,720, filed Feb. 28, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/812,647, filed Mar. 1, 2019 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/831,923, filed Apr. 10, 2019, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a cabinet lock for securing a door panel to a cabinet frame; and more particularly, to an electromechanical cabinet lock including an actuator; and still more particularly, to an electromechanical cabinet lock including a drive member such as a drive screw or a drive plate, wherein the actuator is a motor acting on the drive member, and wherein a position sensor is configured to trigger a signal when a latch member of the cabinet lock translates from a locked orientation to an unlocked orientation; and still more particularly, an electromechanical cabinet lock including a temperature sensor configured to trigger a signal for powering the actuator based on the detected temperature, such as sending a pulsed current signal, selecting from different motor drive profiles, and/or dynamically adjusting motor drive parameters of the actuator to advance movement of the latch member in cold weather conditions. The electromechanical component of the cabinet lock may be unitized so as to be adaptable to an existing mechanical latching component to electrify the cabinet lock. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Cabinet locks, such as those used with traffic control signal boxes, typically include a mechanical key switch which is manually turned to withdraw a latch or deadbolt and thereby pivotally free the cabinet door from the cabinet frame and allow access to the interior of the cabinet. These traffic control signal boxes may include controllers and related circuitry to control and coordinate traffic lights and vehicular traffic through the associated intersection. However, the cabinet locks used on traffic control signal boxes are generally unmonitored, meaning any tampering or unauthorized access may go unnoticed for some period of time. With a focus on heightened homeland security, there is a need for improving the integrity and remote monitoring of traffic control signal boxes. 
     In addition, signal control boxes may be subject to extreme temperatures in certain areas of the country. For instance, in situations where a signal box is subject to extremely cold temperatures, the viscosity of the grease that is used to lubricate an actuator shaft of an actuator (e.g., stepper motor) can increase to the point where the movement of the actuator shaft operates in a sluggish manner or even sticks in some cases. This could result in the actuator failing to move the latch to an unlocked orientation. Thus, a remedy for sluggish or inoperative latch movement in cold weather is also needed. It is a principal object of the present invention to address these, as well as other, needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly described, a cabinet lock for securing a door panel to a cabinet frame includes a latching component and an electromechanical component. The latching component has a latch housing and a latch member reciprocally translatable between a locked orientation whereby the latch member extends outwardly of the latch housing to secure the door panel to the cabinet frame and an unlocked orientation whereby the latch member retracts within the latch housing to free the door panel from the cabinet frame. The electromechanical component includes an actuator operably coupled to a drive member. A first end of the drive member engages the latch member whereby powering of the actuator in a first direction translates the latch member to the unlocked orientation. The latch member may be a latch or dead bolt. 
     The actuator may be a motor and the drive member may be a drive screw. The electromechanical component may further include a drive nut rotatably coupled to the actuator whereby powering of the actuator rotates the drive nut to translate the drive screw and latch member to the unlocked orientation. The latching component may further include a manual actuator coupled to the latch member. The manual actuator may include a cylinder having a cam located at a first end whereby manual actuation of the cylinder causes the cam to engage the latch member and drive the latch member to the unlocked orientation. The latching component may also further include a biasing member configured to bias the latch member to the locked orientation. Additionally or alternatively, powering of the actuator in a second direction may translate the latch member to the locked orientation. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the actuator may be a motor and the drive member may be a drive plate rotatable by the actuator. The electromechanical component may further include a latch pin coupled to the latch member whereby powering of the actuator rotates the drive plate. A guide channel formed in the drive plate receives the latch pin so that rotation of the drive plate translates the latch member to the unlocked orientation. The latching component may further include a manual actuator coupled to the latch member. The manual actuator may include a cylinder having a cam located at a first end whereby manual actuation of the cylinder causes the cam to engage the latch member and drive the latch member to the unlocked orientation. The latching component may also further include a biasing member configured to bias the latch member to the locked orientation. Additionally or alternatively, powering of the actuator in a second direction may translate the latch member to the locked orientation. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a traffic signal control box comprises a cabinet have a side wall framing an opening therein to permit access to an interior defined by the cabinet and a door panel is mounted to the side wall frame A cabinet lock includes a latching component and an electromechanical component. The latching component has a latch housing and a latch member reciprocally translatable between a locked orientation whereby the latch member extends outwardly of the latch housing to secure the door panel to the cabinet frame and an unlocked orientation whereby the latch member retracts within the latch housing to free the door panel from the cabinet frame. The electromechanical component includes an actuator operably coupled to a drive member. A first end of the drive member engages the latch member whereby powering of the actuator in a first direction translates the latch member to the unlocked orientation. 
     In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the electromechanical component may further include a drive member position sensor configured to emit a signal when the drive member translates the latch member from the locked orientation to the unlocked orientation. The drive member position sensor may comprise an optical infrared emitter and detector pair. In a further aspect, the position sensor may include a beam interrupter fabricated from a material having a consistent translucency for allowing transmission of the optical beam or the material may define a plurality of stratified sub-regions having different degrees of translucency wherein the position sensor is capable of detecting serial movement of the drive member between a latch-locked orientation and a latch-unlocked orientation. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention, a separate electromechanical component may be retrofit-able to an existing latching component whereby a mechanical cabinet lock may be converted to a power operated cabinet lock. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for retrofitting the electromechanical component to an existing cabinet lock having only a latching component, the method including the steps of: 
     1. providing a cabinet lock having a latching component wherein the latching component includes a latch member; 
     2. providing an electromechanical component including an actuator connectable to a power source; wherein the electromechanical component further includes a drive member; 
     3. providing a connector feature; and 
     4. connecting the drive member to the latch member via the connector feature. 
     The electromechanical component may further include a position sensor for sensing the position of the latch member wherein the method further includes triggering of a signal by the position sensor that the latch member is being translated from a locked orientation to an unlocked orientation. 
     In a further aspect, a cabinet lock for securing a door panel to a cabinet housing is provided. The cabinet lock comprises a latching component, a temperature sensor, and an electromechanical component. The latching component includes a latch housing and a latch member reciprocally translatable between a locked orientation to secure the door panel to the cabinet housing and an unlocked orientation to free the door panel from the cabinet housing. The temperature sensor is configured for sensing an ambient temperature associated with the cabinet lock. The electromechanical component includes a printed circuit board (PCB) and an actuator (e.g., stepper motor). The actuator is operably coupled to a drive member, and the drive member is coupled to the latch member. The PCB is in communication with the temperature sensor and the actuator. When the PCB receives a control signal to move the latch member between the locked orientation and the unlocked orientation, and the temperature sensor senses that the ambient temperature is below a predetermined threshold temperature, the PCB is configured to direct a pulsed current signal to the actuator to move the latch member between the locked orientation and said unlocked orientation. It should be understood that the present invention may also be directed to the electromechanical component described above, as well as the cabinet lock described above used in association with a traffic signal control box including a cabinet and an associated door panel. 
     The pulsed current signal referred to above may be associated with a first motor drive profile to move the latch member between the locked orientation and said unlocked orientation when the PCB receives a control signal to move the latch member between the locked and unlocked orientations, and the temperature sensor senses that the ambient temperature is below a predetermined threshold temperature. Further, the PCB may be configured to direct the pulsed current signal to the actuator to move the latch member between the locked and unlocked orientations according to a second motor drive profile when the sensed ambient temperature is at or above said predetermined threshold value, and wherein said first motor drive profile is different than said second motor drive profile. 
     Further, the first motor drive profile may be one of a plurality of motor drive profiles, wherein the PCB is configured for selecting the first motor drive profile from the plurality of motor drive profiles based on the sensed ambient temperature. Also, each of the plurality of motor drive profiles may comprise a plurality of motor drive parameters including acceleration rate, deceleration rate, maximum speed, minimum speed, acceleration motor torque current, deceleration motor torque current, run speed motor torque current, motor holding torque current, and stepping modes. The PCB may be further configured to adjust any of the motor drive parameters when the pulse current signal is provided to the actuator to optimize retraction of the latch member. 
     The cabinet lock may further comprise a position sensor, wherein the PCB is further configured to detect whether the latch member has reached the unlocked orientation utilizing the position sensor. When the position sensor detects that the latch member is not in the unlocked orientation, the PCB is configured to either select another one of the plurality of motor drive profiles or adjust one or more of the motor drive parameters of the first motor drive profile to move the latch member to the unlocked orientation. Also, the first motor drive profile may include a speed profile, wherein the PCB is further configured to vary at least one of a period, a duration, a shape, and/or a sequence of the speed profile when the actuator is moving the latch member between the locked and unlocked orientations. 
     In yet another aspect, a method of actuating a latch member between a locked orientation to secure a door panel to a cabinet housing and an unlocked orientation to free the door panel from the cabinet housing is provided. An electromechanical component includes a printed circuit board (PCB) and an actuator, wherein the actuator is operably coupled to a drive member, and the drive member is coupled to the latch member. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a control signal to move the latch member between the locked orientation and the unlocked orientation; sensing an ambient temperature associated with the latch member; determining if the sensed ambient temperature is below a predetermined threshold temperature; and if it is determined that the sensed ambient temperature is below the predetermined threshold temperature, directing a pulsed current signal to the actuator to move the latch member between the locked orientation and the unlocked orientation. 
     Numerous applications, some of which are exemplarily described below, may be implemented using the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a traffic signal control box suitable for use with an embodiment of a cabinet lock in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an expanded view of a handle and cabinet lock mounted on the traffic signal control box shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an expanded view of a latch member and vertical rod latching device used within the traffic signal control box shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a prior art cabinet lock; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cabinet lock in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the cabinet lock shown in  FIG. 5  with the latch housing removed; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the cabinet lock shown in  FIG. 6  with the electromechanical component housing removed; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the cabinet lock shown in  FIG. 7  with the manual actuator and actuator/motor removed, and with the drive screw and dead bolt in the locked orientation; 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of the cabinet lock shown in  FIG. 8  with the drive screw and dead bolt in the unlocked orientation; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective expanded view of a printed circuit board, actuator and drive screw used within the cabinet lock shown in  FIG. 5 , with the drive screw in the locked orientation; 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of the cabinet lock shown in  FIG. 8  with the drive screw and dead bolt intermediate the locked orientation and the unlocked orientation; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective expanded view of the printed circuit board, actuator and drive screw within the cabinet lock shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of yet alternative embodiment of a cabinet lock in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a rear perspective view of the alternative embodiment of a cabinet lock shown in  FIG. 13  with the electromechanical component housing removed; 
         FIG. 15  is a rear of the alternative embodiment of a cabinet lock shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a rear view of the alternative embodiment of a cabinet lock shown in  FIG. 15  with the manual actuator and actuator/motor removed; 
         FIG. 17  is a rear view of the alternative embodiment of a cabinet lock shown in  FIG. 13  showing the latch in a locked orientation; 
         FIG. 18  is a rear view of the alternative embodiment of a cabinet lock shown in  FIG. 13  showing the latch in an intermediate orientation; 
         FIG. 19  is a rear view of the alternative embodiment of a cabinet lock shown in  FIG. 13  showing the latch in an unlocked orientation; 
         FIG. 20  is an exploded view of another embodiment of a cabinet lock in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a top perspective view of the alternative embodiment of a cabinet lock shown in  FIG. 20  with the latch housing cover plate removed; 
         FIG. 22  is an isolated view of the latch member and drive member of the alternative embodiment of a cabinet lock shown in  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 23  is an expanded view of the drive member and photo beam interrupter shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a plot showing IR signal strength as a function of drive member position for an exemplary drive member and photo beam interrupter in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a flow chart of a method for powering an actuator of a cabinet lock based on a sensed temperature in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  is an exemplary diagram illustrating how a motor drive profile for powering the actuator can be controlled and/or individual drive parameters can be dynamically adjusted; 
         FIG. 27  is a flow chart of a method for selecting from different motor drive profiles and/or dynamically adjusting individual drive parameters according to a sensed temperature in accordance with another aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  is a diagram illustrating various examples of how a motor drive pattern including multiple drive profiles for powering the actuator can be controlled over time for different temperatures; and 
         FIG. 29  is a flow chart of a method for controlling motor drive patterns including multiple different motor drive profiles over time based on a sensed temperature in accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate currently preferred embodiments of the present invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , a traffic signal control box  10  generally includes a cabinet housing  12  defining an open interior. Mounted within the interior are the control boards and related systems and circuitry to control and coordinate traffic lights to manage traffic flow and ease or eliminate traffic congestion. Control box  10  may be powered by the grid and may be enabled for wired or wireless communication with a municipal traffic control agency. 
     A door panel  14  is mounted to cabinet housing  12  and is configured to cover the interior opening when in a closed condition, such as that shown in  FIG. 1 . In one aspect of the invention, door panel  14  is pivotally mounted to cabinet housing  12  using one or more hinges (not shown) as is generally known in the art. A handle  16  may be included to aid in pivoting door panel  14  from the closed condition to an open condition wherein access to the cabinet interior and equipment therein is gained. Handle  16  may be further coupled to a vertical rod latching device  18  configured to hold door panel  14  in the closed condition ( FIG. 3 ). Handle  16  may be turned to disengage rods  20  from the cabinet housing (compare  FIG. 1  having handle  16  in vertical, engaged position, and  FIG. 2  having handle  16  turned to a rotated, disengaged position). To prevent unauthorized access to the control box interior and the equipment contained therein, cabinet housing  12  and/or door panel  14  may be provided with a cabinet lock. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , a prior art cabinet lock  22 ′ may include a latching component  24 ′ having a latch member  30 ′, such as a deadlatch  30   a ′, which is configured to engage handle  16  and/or vertical rod latching device  18  so as to prevent turning of the handle  16  when the latch member  30 ′ is in a locked orientation. Cabinet lock  22 ′ includes a key switch  34 ′ whereby, upon insertion of the proper key, key switch  34 ′ may operate to withdraw latch member  30 ′ and disengage latch member  30 ′ from handle  16 /vertical rod latching device  18  such that handle  16  may be turned and door panel  14  may be pivoted as described above. As discussed above, while latch member  30 ′ may minimize unauthorized access to control box  10 , access may still occur through manipulation of the latch member, or through unauthorized use of the proper key. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 5-12 , shown is an embodiment of a cabinet lock  22  in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Cabinet lock  22  is generally comprised of a latching component  24  and electromechanical component  26 . Latching component  24  includes a latch housing  28  and a latch member  30  reciprocally translatable therein. Latch member  30  may translate from a locked orientation, such as that shown in  FIGS. 5-8 , to an unlocked orientation, such as that shown in  FIG. 9 , as will be discussed in greater detail below. Without limitation thereto, latch member  30  may be a deadbolt or beveled latch or other suitable feature. 
     Latching component  24  may further include a manual actuator  32 , such as a key switch  34 . Key switch  34  may include a cylinder  36  having a first end  38  which is configured to receive a key therein. First end  38  may extend outwardly of door panel  14  through an aperture  40  (see e.g.,  FIG. 2 ). The opposing second end  42  of cylinder  36  may include a cam member  44 . Cam member  44  may further carry a lug  46 . Lug  46  is configured to engage latch member  30 , such as at wing  48  of latch member  30  as seen in  FIG. 6 . Turning of a key within cylinder  36  causes cam member  44  and lug  46  to rotate against wing  48 , such as in the direction generally indicated by arrow  50 , which then drives wing  48  and latch member  30  in an unlocking direction generally indicated by arrow  52 . As latch member  30  travels in the unlocking direction, a biasing member  54 , such as a spring, is compressed to thereby store potential energy within the spring. Once the turning force applied to the key is removed, the potential energy within spring  54  is released thereby, driving latch member  30  in a locking direction generally indicated by arrow  56 . Wing  48  likewise reverse rotates cam member  44  returning cylinder  36  to its initial position as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     In addition to, or as an alternative to, manual actuator  32 , cabinet lock  22  also includes electromechanical component  26  configured to selectively translate latch member  30 . With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , electromechanical component  26  generally comprises an actuator  58  operably coupled to a drive member  60 . Drive member  60  may be a threaded rod  68 , such as a motor, as shown. First end  62  of drive member  60  is coupled to latch member  30  whereby powering of actuator  58  retracts drive member  60  and causes latch member  30  to be retracted within latch housing  28  to the unlocked orientation ( FIG. 9 ). 
     By way of example and without limitation thereto, latch member  30 , such as prior art latch member  24 ′ ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ), may be retrofitted with electromechanical component  26  whereby a connecting feature  61  fixedly couples drive member  60  to latch member  30 . In the case of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , connecting feature  61  includes yoke portion  62   a  of drive member  60  and housing end  64  of latch member  30  connected together via fastener  66 . Fastener  66  may be any suitable fastening device, such as but not limited to a pin, screw, bolt, rivet or the like. As such, translation of drive member  60  will translate latch member  30 . 
     In accordance with an aspect of the invention, and in reference to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5-12 , drive member  60  may comprise threaded rod  68  and drive nut  70  rotatably mounted thereon. Drive nut  70  may be rotated by powering of actuator  58  such that rotation (but not translation) of drive nut  70  causes threaded rod  68  to translate (but not rotate) laterally along longitudinal axis A of threaded rod  68 . In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, actuator  58  may be powered in a first direction to cause threaded rod  68  and latch member  30  to translate to the unlocked orientation ( FIG. 9 ), and powered in the opposing second direction to cause threaded rod  68  and latch member  30  to return to the locked orientation ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ). 
     Additionally, or alternatively, biasing member  54  may urge latch member  30  to the locked orientation once power to actuator  58  is removed. By way of example, actuator  58  may be a motor provided with a relatively high current, such as and without limitation thereto, about 250 mA at 24 volts DC, to retract latch member  30  to the unlocked orientation. Once latch member  30  has moved to unlocked orientation ( FIG. 9 ), a hold current of approximately 50 mA may retain latch member  30  in the unlocked orientation. Removing the hold current may allow spring  54  to return latch member  30  to the locked orientation as described above. Alternatively, an opposing current may be provided to actuator  58  to reverse rotate drive nut  70  and reverse translate threaded rod  68 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 10 , electromechanical component  26  may further include a printed circuit board (PCB)  72 . PCB  72  may be configured to receive and send instructions and information with one or more control boards within traffic signal control box  10 , which in turn may receive and send information with a municipal traffic control agency. Additionally or alternatively, PCB  72  may include a communication module  74 , such as a Bluetooth or other wireless communication module, configured for direct communication with a remote traffic control agency. PCB  72  may send control signals to power actuator  58  and may also send information regarding lock status as will be described in greater detail below. Still further, communication module  74  may be configured to receive control signals from a utilities worker located onsite through a wireless communication signal, thereby foregoing the need for a physical key for use with cylinder  36 . 
     In accordance with the invention, a latch position sensor may be provided to enable remote detection of the latch status of cabinet housing  12 . Referring once again to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7-12 , PCB  72  may include a forward surface  76  and a rearward surface  78 . An aperture  80  may pass through PCB  72  from forward surface  76  to rearward surface  78 . Located proximate aperture  80  on rearward surface  78  may be a drive member position sensor  82 . In one aspect of the invention, position sensor  82  may comprise a photoemitter/detector pair  82   a,    82   b  configured for line-of-sight detection. For example, photoemitter  82   a  may emit a beam of light which is detected by detector  82   b.  Position sensor  82  will then trigger a signal when the beam of light is interrupted/blocked, as will be discussed in greater detail below. Still further, the photoemitter may be an optical infrared emitter, although other position sensors may be used, such as and without limitation thereto, a Hall Effect sensor, a linear variable differential transformer or rotary encoder. 
     Working in conjunction with photo emitter/detector pair  82   a,    82   b,  is a photo beam interrupter  90   a,    90   b  conjured to move with movement of latch member  30  and to selective block and unblock the energy beam between photo emitter a and photo detector  82   b.  In the case of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8-12 , photo beam interrupter  90   a,    90   b  includes terminal end  84  ( 90   a ) of drive member  60  and aperture  86  ( 90   b ). As shown in  FIG. 10 , drive member  60  is coaxially aligned with aperture  80 , with terminal end  84  of drive member  60  located near or even with the plane defined by forward surface  76  while latch member  30  is in the locked orientation. In no event will terminal end  84  extend completely through aperture  80  and beyond the plane defined by rearward surface  78  while latch member  30  is in the locked orientation. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , latch member  30  is shown in an intermediate state between the locked orientation ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ) and the unlocked orientation ( FIG. 9 ), such as through a partial turning of the key within cylinder  36  or supplying of a high retract current to actuator  58 . In either event, drive member  60  translates laterally while drive nut  70  is rotated as described above. As a result, terminal end  84  of drive member  60  (i.e., interrupter  90   a ) travels in and through aperture  80  within PCB  72 . Drive member  60  then interrupts the line-of-sight beam of position sensor  82  thereby causing position sensor  82  to trigger a signal. This signal is then, ultimately, communicated to the municipal traffic control agency and/or utility employee signaling that latch member  30  is being translated from the locked orientation to the unlocked orientation. Thus, the municipal traffic control agency can verify whether an attempted access to traffic signal control box  10  is authorized or not. Should the attempt be unauthorized, additional safety measures may be taken, such as alerting local law enforcement or triggering video and/or audio data collection to assist in identifying the unauthorized individual. 
     There may be a further need to detect and signal when latch member  30  has reached its fully retracted position. For this purpose aperture  86  passing through drive member  60  may be formed at a distance from terminal end  84  of the drive member (see  FIGS. 8 and 9 ). As drive member  60  continues its translation from the locked orientation and reaches the unlocked orientation, aperture  86  aligns with the line-of-sight beam of position sensor  82 . In doing so, the line-of-sight beam transmitted by photoemitter  82   a  is again allowed to pass through aperture  86  (interrupter  90   b ) and reach detector  82   b.  A signal created upon renewed receipt of the beam by detector  82   b  may be communicated to the municipal traffic control agency that latch member  30  is in its unlocked orientation and that the interior of control box  10  has become accessible. 
     Thus, the above described embodiments for remotely detecting latch status provides means by which the municipal traffic control agency may verify whether an attempted access to traffic control box  10  is authorized or not. Should the attempt be unauthorized, additional safety measures may be taken, such as alerting local law enforcement or triggering video and/or audio data collection to assist in identifying the unauthorized individual. 
     Moreover, by using an optical sensor or photo-emitter sensor for position sensor  82  as described above, the sensing device would be impervious to expected temperature extremes and electromagnetic interferences. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 13-19 , an alternative embodiment of a cabinet lock  222  may generally comprise a latching component  224  and electromechanical component  226 . Similar to latching components  24  described above, latching component  224  includes a latch housing  228  and a latch member  230  reciprocally translatable therein between a locked orientation ( FIGS. 13-17 ) and an unlocked orientation ( FIG. 19 ). Without limitation thereto, latch member  230  may be a deadbolt or beveled latch or other suitable feature. Latching component  224  may further include a manual actuator  232 , such as a key switch  234  described above with regard to key switch  34 , the operation of which is identical as recited previously. Electromechanical component  226  is configured to selectively translate latch member  230 . 
     Electromechanical component  226  generally includes an actuator  258  operably coupled to a drive member  260 ; actuator  258  may be a rotary actuator  268 . Drive member  260  may be drive plate  270 . Drive member  260  includes a guide channel  288  configured to receive a latch pin  294  on latch member  230  which extends from latch housing  228  into drive housing  292 . 
     With additional reference to  FIGS. 13-19 , drive member  260  is configured to engage latch pin  294  such that rotation of drive plate  270  via actuator  258  causes translation of latch pin  294 , and subsequent translation of latch member  230 . Actuator  258  may be powered in a first direction to cause drive member  260  and latch pin  294  to translate latch member  230  from a locked orientation ( FIG. 17 ) through an intermediate orientation ( FIG. 18 ) to the unlocked orientation ( FIG. 19 ). Powering of actuator  258  in the opposing second direction may cause drive member  270 , latch pin  294  and latch member  230  to return to their respective locked orientations ( FIG. 17 ). Additionally, or alternatively, biasing member  254 , such as a spring, within latch housing  228  may urge latch member  230  to the locked orientation once power to actuator  258  is removed. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, electromechanical component  226  may be configured to retrofit an existing cabinet lock, such as cabinet lock  22 ′ including latch member  30 ′ and key switch  34 ′ as described above with regard to  FIG. 4 , whereby a connecting feature  261  fixedly couples electromechanical component  226  to latching component  224 . In the case of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 15 , connecting feature  261  may include guide channel  288  of drive member  260  and latch pin  294  connected to latch member  230  ( FIG. 15 ). 
     Electromechanical component  226  may also be configured with a latch position sensor using a photo emitter/detector pair as described above. In the case of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 17-19 , photo beam interrupter may include a surface  290   a  of drive member  260  to block transmission of the line-of-sight beam transmitted by photo emitter when the latch is in a first position ( FIG. 18 ), and a through orifice  290   b  in drive member  260  strategically placed to allow transmission of the line-of-sight beam to the photo detector when the latch moves to a second position. For example, the first position of the latch may be when the latch is an intermediate latch position ( FIG. 18 ) and the second position may be when the latch is fully retracted ( FIG. 19 ) to allow entry into control box  10 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 20-23 , another alternative embodiment of a cabinet lock  422  may generally comprise a latching component  424  and electromechanical component  426 . Similar to latching component  24  described above, latching component  424  includes a latch housing  428  and a latch member  430  reciprocally translatable therein between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation. Without limitation thereto, latch member  430  may be a deadbolt or beveled latch or other suitable feature. Latching component  424  may further include a manual actuator  432 , including a key switch  434  described above with regard to key switch  34 , the operation of which is identical as recited previously. Electromechanical component  426  is configured to selectively translate latch member  430 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 20-22 , electromechanical component  426  generally comprises an actuator  458 , operably coupled to a drive member  460 . Drive member  460  may include a threaded rod  468 , as shown. First end  462  of drive member  460  is coupled to latch member  430  whereby powering of actuator  458  retracts drive member  460  and causes latch member  430  to be retracted within latch housing  428  to the unlocked orientation. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the invention, biasing member  454  may urge latch member  430  to the locked orientation once power to actuator  458  is removed. By way of example, actuator  458  may be a motor provided with a relatively high current, such as and without limitation thereto, about 250 mA at 24 volts DC, to retract latch member  430  to the unlocked orientation. Once latch member  430  has moved to unlocked orientation, a hold current of approximately 50 mA may retain latch member  430  in the unlocked orientation. Removing the hold current may allow spring  454  to return latch member  430  to the locked orientation as described above. Alternatively, an opposing current may be provided to actuator  458  to reverse translate threaded rod  468 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , electromechanical component  426  may further include a printed circuit board (PCB)  472 . PCB  472  may be configured to receive and send instructions and information with one or more control boards within traffic signal control box  10 , which in turn may receive and send information with a municipal traffic control agency. Additionally or alternatively, PCB  472  may include a communication module  474 , such as a Bluetooth or other wireless communication module, configured for direct communication with a remote traffic control agency. PCB  472  may send control signals to power actuator  458  and may also send information regarding lock status as will be described in greater detail below. Still further, communication module  474  may be configured to receive control signals from a utilities worker located onsite through a wireless communication signal, thereby foregoing the need for a physical key for use with, for example, cylinder  36 . 
     In accordance with the invention, a latch position sensor may be provided to enable remote detection of the latch status of cabinet housing  12 . With continued reference to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , PCB  472  may include a forward surface  476  and a rearward surface  478 . An aperture  480  may pass through PCB  472  from forward surface  476  to rearward surface  478 . Located proximate aperture  480  on rearward surface  478  may be a drive member position sensor  482 . In one aspect of the invention, position sensor  482  may comprise a photo emitter/detector pair  482   a,    482   b  configured for line-of-sight detection. For example, photo emitter  482   a  may emit a beam of light (such as but not limited to visible and/or infrared (IR) radiation, i.e., an optical infrared emitter) which is detected by detector  482   b.  Position sensor  482  will then trigger a signal when the beam of light is interrupted/blocked, as will be discussed in greater detail below. It should be further noted that other position sensors may be used, such as and without limitation thereto, a Hall Effect sensor, a linear variable differential transformer or rotary encoder. 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , working in conjunction with photo emitter/detector pair  482   a,    482   b,  is a photo beam interrupter  490  configured to move with movement of latch member  430  and to selectively intercept the beam of light between photo emitter  482   a  and photo detector  482   b.  In the case of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 20-23 , photo beam interrupter  490  may be coupled to or otherwise includes terminal end  484  of drive member  460 . As shown in  FIGS. 20-22 , drive member  460  is coaxially aligned with aperture  480 , with terminal end  484  of drive member  460  located near or even with the plane defined by forward surface  476  while latch member  430  is in the locked orientation. In one aspect of the present invention, drive member  460  may be received within guide sleeve  486  which may extend from rear wall  428   a  of latch housing  428  to an intermediate distance within housing  458   a  of actuator  458 . 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, guide sleeve  486  is constructed of a material configured to be transparent to the radiation emitted by photo emitter  482   a.  As a result, photo detector  482   b  detects an unhindered light beam when latch member  430  is in a locked orientation which manifests as a first signal that may be communicated to the municipal traffic control agency and/or utility employee. Photo beam interrupter  490  may then be fabricated from a translucent material whereby photo detector  482   b  detects a modified light beam which manifests as a second signal communicated to the municipal traffic control agency and/or utility employee. Drive member  460  may then be fabricated from an opaque material which manifests as a third signal communicated to the municipal traffic control agency and/or utility employee. 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 24 , in one aspect of the invention, the first signal  492  may indicate that latch  430  is in the locked orientation while the third signal  494  indicates that latch  430  is in the unlatched orientation. Photo beam interrupter  490  (and its resultant modified light beam) may then be selected to have a length whereby the second signal  493  indicates that latch member  430  has been moved from its fully latched orientation to a position prior to its unlatched orientation. As the second signal  493  is communicated to the municipal traffic control agency, the municipal traffic control agency can verify whether an attempted access to traffic signal control box  10  is authorized or not. Should the attempt be unauthorized, additional safety measures may be taken, such as alerting local law enforcement or triggering video and/or audio data collection to assist in identifying the unauthorized individual and/or initiating a lock-out protocol whereby further movement of latch  430  is arrested and admission to traffic control box  10  is prevented. 
     It should be noted that, while photo beam interrupter  490  has been shown and described as being fabricated from a single material having a consistent translucency, in a further aspect of the present invention, photo beam interrupter  490  may alternatively be formed so as to define a plurality of stratified sub-regions wherein each sub-region has a different degree of translucency. Thus, second signal  493  may be delineated into a series of smaller signals, whereby photo detector  482   b  may sequentially emit each signal to communicate to serial movement of latch member  430  to the municipal traffic control agency. 
     In cold climates, latch member movement between locked and unlocked orientations is known to become sluggish or, under extreme temperature conditions, inoperative. With reference to  FIGS. 25-29 , sluggish or inoperative latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430  movement caused by these conditions may be remedied by directing an instantaneous, pulsed current signal to actuator  32 ,  232 ,  432  to advance latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430 . With respect to cabinet locks  22 ,  222  and  422 , a further embodiment may include a temperature sensor  94  for sensing ambient temperatures within respective latch housing  28 ,  228  and  428 . Temperature sensor  94 , may be located on the PCB  72 ,  472  (see  FIG. 12  for example) or anywhere within or near latch housing  28 ,  228 ,  428 . Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 25 , an exemplary method  500  for powering an actuator of a cabinet lock based on a sensed temperature is provided. For instance, PCB  72 ,  472  monitors an ambient temperature associated with or in the vicinity of cabinet lock  22 ,  222 ,  422  using temperature sensor  94  at step S 510 . Upon detection of a temperature above or below a predetermined threshold temperature by sensor  94  at step S 520 , and further upon receipt of communication by PCB  72 ,  472  to retract latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430  to an unlocked orientation from the remote traffic control agency or local utilities worker at step S 530 , a pulsed current signal may be directed to actuator  32 ,  232 ,  432  by PCB  72 ,  472  to advance movement of latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430  to the unlocked orientation at step S 540 . For each period of a given unlocking cycle, PCB  72 ,  472  may further detect whether latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430  is fully retracted to the unlocked orientation at step S 550  using position sensor  482 , for example. If latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430  is not detected as being in the unlocked orientation, method  500  may return to S 540  and continue directing a pulsed current signal to actuator  32 ,  232 ,  432  in an attempt to move latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430  to the unlocked orientation. If PCB  72 ,  472  detects that latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430  has reached the unlocked orientation, method  500  may end or cycle back to step S 510 . 
     Although not illustrated in  FIG. 25 , it should be appreciated that in the event the sensed temperature is not above or below the predetermined threshold temperature value (e.g., the ambient temperature is within a nominal or normal operating range), directing of a pulsed current signal and/or adjustment of motor drive parameters may not be needed to advance movement of latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430 , and thus PCB  472  will ordinarily drive actuator  32 ,  232 ,  432  according to regular current signal and/or a set of standard or default motor drive parameters upon receiving a command to retract latch member 30 ,  230 ,  430 . 
     In accordance with another aspect,  FIGS. 26 and 27  illustrate a diagram and flow chart for an exemplary method  600  in which PCB  72 ,  472  is configured to either provide a motor drive profile, select a motor drive profile from a plurality of available motor drive profiles, or dynamically create a motor drive profile in real-time to drive actuator  32 ,  232 ,  432  (e.g., stepper motor) when the sensed temperature value falls below a predetermined temperature threshold. For example, PCB  72 ,  472  may include an onboard control microcontroller (MCU) that is configured to drive a stepper motor, and continually monitor ambient temperature of in the vicinity of or within cabinet lock  22 ,  222 ,  422  at a configurable interval using temperature sensor  94  at step S 610 . At step S 620 , PCB  72 ,  472  (via control MCU) is configured to drive the stepper motor using a selected motor drive profile to provide optimal retraction forces based on the sensed temperature. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 26 , the motor drive profile over a given time period may be manifested in the form of a pulsed current signal directed to actuator  32 ,  232 ,  432  that comprises of one or more of a current profile that reflects the amount of current that is provided to the actuator  32 ,  232 ,  432  (e.g., stepper motor coil(s)), a speed profile that reflects the linear or rotational speed (e.g., steps/second) of a shaft of the actuator, and/or a drive frequency profile that represents the pulse frequency (i.e., STCK frequency (kHz)) that is provided to the actuator being imposed at a selected stepping modes (e.g., 1/256th, 1/32nd, ⅛th, full step). It should be understood that the motor drive profile shown in  FIG. 26  is merely exemplary, and the components that make up the motor drive profile may be dynamically adjusted depending on the sensed temperature and/or the detected position of latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430  during the process of moving latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430  between unlocked and locked orientations. It should also be understood that one or more motor drive parameters that are controlled in the motor drive profile may be adjusted to change the characteristics of the motor drive profile, to provide for the plurality of different motor drive profiles, or to dynamically adjust the motor drive profile during the movement of latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430  between unlocked and locked orientations. The motor drive parameters may include, but are not limited to, the following: 
     Acceleration rate (pulses per second squared, pps 2 ), 
     Deceleration rate (pps 2 ), 
     Maximum speed (pps), 
     Minimum speed (pps), 
     Acceleration motor torque current (% of full-scale current defined by hardware (% FS)), 
     Deceleration motor torque current (% FS), 
     Run speed motor torque current (% FS), 
     Motor holding torque current (% FS), and 
     Stepping modes (full-wave, half-wave, ¼, ⅛, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128, 1/256). 
     By selectively adjusting the above-referenced motor drive parameters, PCB  72 ,  472  (onboard motor control MCU) is able to construct different speed profiles ( FIG. 28 ), having different shapes such as trapezoidal and triangular, for example. In some example embodiments, PCB  72 ,  472  may be programmed in advance with (or may store and update) a mapping of different temperature values or temperature range to different corresponding motor drive profiles. For example, there may be a normal weather operating range of temperatures, a cold weather operating range defined below a first threshold temperature value, and a hot weather operating range defined above a second threshold value. The cold weather operating range could also be further subdivided by one or more additional threshold temperature values or ranges (e.g., to define an extreme cold weather operating range), and so on as needed depending on the implementation. In some other example embodiments, PCB  72 ,  472  may also be configured to adjust individual motor drive parameters of a given motor drive profile at any time (e.g., before, during, or after an unlocking cycle) to allow for optimal retraction of latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430  despite any changes in temperature. 
     Then when PCB  72 ,  472  receives a communication to retract latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430  from a remote device at step S 630 , PCB  72 ,  472  can drive actuator  32 ,  232 ,  432  according to the selected motor drive profile having optimal retraction forces for advancing latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430  under conditions associated with the sensed ambient temperature at step S 640 . PCB  72 ,  472  may further detect whether latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430  is fully retracted at step S 650  using position sensor  482 , and will then either return to step S 640  and continue driving actuator  32 ,  232 ,  432  according to the selected motor drive profile, otherwise method  600  can either return to step S 610  so that temperature monitoring can continue for subsequent cycles of operating the locking mechanism, or end once PCB  72 ,  472  detects that latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430  has reached the unlocked orientation. Optionally, when returning to step S 640  after a “No” determination at step S 650 , PCB  72 ,  472  (via MCU) may also dynamically adjust one or more of the motor drive parameters of the selected motor drive profile at step S 660  during a given unlocking cycle. Additionally or alternatively, PCB  72 ,  472  could also select a different motor drive profile at step S 660  for the next period of the unlocking cycle in a similar manner. 
     In accordance with a further aspect,  FIGS. 28 and 29  illustrate an exemplary diagram and flow chart for a method  700  in which PCB  72 ,  472  (onboard motor control MCU) can also adjustably control motor drive patterns over time based on sensed temperature. It should be understood that a motor drive “pattern” may consist of a plurality of motor drive “profiles” (e.g., pattern_ 1 =profile_ 1 +profile_ 2 +profile_ 3 +profile_N) that may each have different drive “parameters” (e.g., profile_ 1 =parameter_ 1 +parameter_ 2 +parameter_ 3 +parameter_N), respectively. For example, in  FIG. 28 , varying speed profiles are illustrated as a function of time as an actuator is moving the latch member between locked and unlocked orientations. Similar to method  600  described above with reference to  FIGS. 26 and 27 , in method  700  the PCB  72 .  472  continually senses the ambient temperature at a configurable interval of time via temperature sensor  94  at step S 710 , and provides or selects a motor drive profile and/or dynamically adjusts one or more drive parameters of a provided or selected motor drive profile for driving actuator  32 ,  232 ,  432  based on the sensed temperature at step S 740 . In addition, PCB  72 ,  472  (via onboard MCU) also has the ability to control motor drive patterns, such as by varying the period, duration, shape, and/or sequence of individual motor drive profiles (e.g., the trapezoidal or triangular speed profiles) at different temperatures over time, which allows for latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430  to overcome any additional mechanical forces exerted on the locking mechanism that result from changes in temperature and related external conditions at step S 760 . Thus, PCB  72 ,  472  can utilize sensors and programming of an onboard motor control MCU to ensure proper operation when unlocking latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430  by providing the ability to adapt motor drive parameters, motor drive profiles, and/or motor drive patterns to seasonal, weather-based, or other extreme temperature variations. 
     While the above-referenced discussion relates to providing a motor drive profile and/or dynamically adjusting one or more motor drive parameters to drive actuator  32 ,  232 ,  432  when the sensed temperature value falls below a predetermined temperature threshold, it should be understood that the above-referenced methods can also be adapted for situations where the sensed temperature value falls above a predetermined temperature threshold. If should also be understood that the above-referenced methods may be implemented using hardware, software stored in a memory of PCB that is executable by a processor, or a combination thereof. 
     In a further aspect of the present invention, cabinet lock  422  may be configured to mount within a traffic signal control box  10 , as described above. As such, cabinet lock  422  may be exposed to atmospheric conditions, such as weather events (extreme heat, cold, rain or snow), as well as ambient temperature and humidity (and daily/seasonal changes thereof). To prevent, or minimize ingress of moisture (i.e. rain or snow) into latch housing  428  may include a gasket  496  between latch housing body  428 ′ and latch housing cover plate  428 ″. Moreover, should moisture enter latch housing  428  or condensation be produced within latch housing  428 , bottom wall  428   b  of latch housing  428  may include one or more weep holes  498  designed to enable drainage of any such moisture from within latch housing  428 . 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for retrofitting electromechanical component  26 ,  226 ,  426  to an existing cabinet lock having only a latching component  24 ′, the method including the steps of: 
     1. providing a cabinet lock having a latching component  24 ′ wherein the latching component  24 ′ includes a latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430 ; 
     2. providing an electromechanical component  26 ,  226 ,  426  including a respective actuator  32 ,  232 ,  432  connectable to a power source; wherein the electromechanical component  26 ,  226 ,  426  further includes a respective drive member  60 ,  260 ,  460 ; and 
     3. coupling said respective drive member  60 ,  260 ,  460 , to said latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430  with connecting feature  61 ,  261 ,  461 . 
     The electromechanical component  26 ,  226 ,  426  may further include a position sensor  482  for sensing the position of latch member  30 ,  230 ,  430  wherein the method further includes triggering of a signal by the position sensor that latch member is being translated from a locked orientation to an unlocked orientation, and/or a signal that said latch member has reached said unlocked orientation. 
     The electromechanical component  26 ,  226 ,  426  may further include a temperature sensor  94  for sensing the ambient temperature associated with the latching component  24 ′ wherein the method further includes triggering of a signal by the temperature sensor that the temperature is below (or above) a predetermined threshold temperature value. 
     While the invention has been described by reference to various specific embodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes may be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but will have full scope defined by the language of the following claims.