Patent ID: 11624208

Abstract:
A locking mechanism is provided for a portal closure that includes a first side, and a second side The portal closure including a latch movable into and out of engagement with a latch receiver and a latch driving device coupled to the latch for moving the latch into and out of engagement with the latch receiver The latch driving device includes a controllable lock member movable between a locked position where the latch is fixedly positioned in the latch receiver and an unlocked position where the latch is capable of being disengaged from the latch receiver and a second side latch driving device mover disposed on the second side of the portal closure. The locking mechanism includes a first side latch driving device mover disposed on the first side of the portal closures, and coupled to the latch driving device for moving the latch driving device to cause the latch to move into and out of engagement with the latch receiver. A signal generator is provided for generating a human detectable signal. A lock actuator is coupled to the controllable lock member for moving the locking mechanism between a first normal position wherein the second side lock driving device is capable of being moved between an unlocked position to permit the latch to be disengaged from the latch receiver and a locked position where the latch is prevented from being disengaged from the latch receiver; and a second emergency position wherein the second side lock driving device is in the locked position, and the signal generator is actuated to generate a human detectable signal. A power source is provided for powering the signal generator when the locking mechanism is in the second emergency position. A switch is coupled between the power source and the signal generator for controlling the flow of current between the power source and the signal generator.