Patent attributes
A latch system including a first portion and a second portion which are attached to corresponding pieces. The first portion is engageable with the second portion. A drive device is coupled to at least one of the first portion and the second portion for controllable operation of the device to engage and disengage the first portion and second portion. A controller is provided and coupled to the drive device for controllably operating the drive device to engage and disengage the latch. The first and second portion may be provided in the form of a hook and keeper configuration with one of the hook portion and keeper portion being driven by the drive device. A sensor may be provided on the latch assembly coupled to the controller for detecting at least one condition such as the latch being engaged or the latch being disengaged. Also disclosed is a method of latching using a first portion, second portion, drive device and controller for controllably latching and unlatching a latch assembly.
