US Patent 11180929 Low temperature control of lock actuator

A lock includes an electrically powered locking mechanism operable between locked and unlocked positions, a power supply, and a controller for operating the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked positions. The controller regulates the amount of electric power supplied to the electrically powered locking mechanism and determines temperature in the vicinity of the locking mechanism, and is capable of supplying first and second levels of electric power to the electrically powered locking mechanism in accordance with the temperature in the vicinity of the locking mechanism. If the temperature in the vicinity of the locking mechanism is within a predetermined temperature range, a first level of electric power is supplied to the electrically powered locking mechanism to operate between locked and unlocked positions. If the temperature is below the predetermined temperature range, a second, lower level of electric power is supplied to the electrically powered locking mechanism.