WO1996027064A1 - Intelligent lock system - Google Patents
Intelligent lock system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1996027064A1 WO1996027064A1 PCT/US1996/002594 US9602594W WO9627064A1 WO 1996027064 A1 WO1996027064 A1 WO 1996027064A1 US 9602594 W US9602594 W US 9602594W WO 9627064 A1 WO9627064 A1 WO 9627064A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- wrench
- lock
- housing
- rotatable
- retainer
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C1/00—Registering, indicating or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
- G07C1/32—Time-recording locks
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B17/00—Accessories in connection with locks
- E05B17/0054—Fraction or shear lines; Slip-clutches, resilient parts or the like for preventing damage when forced or slammed
- E05B17/0058—Fraction or shear lines; Slip-clutches, resilient parts or the like for preventing damage when forced or slammed with non-destructive disengagement
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B17/00—Accessories in connection with locks
- E05B17/0054—Fraction or shear lines; Slip-clutches, resilient parts or the like for preventing damage when forced or slammed
- E05B17/0062—Fraction or shear lines; Slip-clutches, resilient parts or the like for preventing damage when forced or slammed with destructive disengagement
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B39/00—Locks giving indication of authorised or unauthorised unlocking
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B47/00—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
- E05B47/06—Controlling mechanically-operated bolts by electro-magnetically-operated detents
- E05B47/0611—Cylinder locks with electromagnetic control
- E05B47/0619—Cylinder locks with electromagnetic control by blocking the rotor
- E05B47/0623—Cylinder locks with electromagnetic control by blocking the rotor axially, i.e. with an axially engaging blocking element
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B47/00—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
- E05B47/06—Controlling mechanically-operated bolts by electro-magnetically-operated detents
- E05B47/0657—Controlling mechanically-operated bolts by electro-magnetically-operated detents by locking the handle, spindle, follower or the like
- E05B47/0661—Controlling mechanically-operated bolts by electro-magnetically-operated detents by locking the handle, spindle, follower or the like axially, i.e. with an axially engaging blocking element
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B35/00—Locks for use with special keys or a plurality of keys ; keys therefor
- E05B35/08—Locks for use with special keys or a plurality of keys ; keys therefor operable by a plurality of keys
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B35/00—Locks for use with special keys or a plurality of keys ; keys therefor
- E05B35/08—Locks for use with special keys or a plurality of keys ; keys therefor operable by a plurality of keys
- E05B35/10—Locks for use with special keys or a plurality of keys ; keys therefor operable by a plurality of keys with master and pass keys
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B47/00—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
- E05B47/0001—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof
- E05B47/0002—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof with electromagnets
- E05B47/0003—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof with electromagnets having a movable core
- E05B47/0004—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof with electromagnets having a movable core said core being linearly movable
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
- E05C3/00—Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively
- E05C3/02—Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively without latching action
- E05C3/04—Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively without latching action with operating handle or equivalent member rigid with the bolt
- E05C3/041—Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively without latching action with operating handle or equivalent member rigid with the bolt rotating about an axis perpendicular to the surface on which the fastener is mounted
- E05C3/042—Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively without latching action with operating handle or equivalent member rigid with the bolt rotating about an axis perpendicular to the surface on which the fastener is mounted the handle being at one side, the bolt at the other side or inside the wing
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
- G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
- G07C2009/00753—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated by active electrical keys
- G07C2009/00761—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated by active electrical keys with data transmission performed by connected means, e.g. mechanical contacts, plugs, connectors
Definitions
- the present invention relates to locking systems generally and, more particularly, to a novel intelligent lock system which is particularly useful for locks on coin operated telephones and locks on cargo containers.
- the coin boxes in coin operated telephones must be removed periodically to remove the coins. Conventionally, this is done by giving a coin collector a large shackle of keys which holds a unigue key for each telephone which is to be opened to remove the coin boxes therein on a particular day. As prior steps, the telephone boxes to be accessed must be identified, the appropriate keys pulled, and a route form prepared.
- the coin collector goes to each telephone, selects the proper key, uses the key to operate a lock release mechanism, uses another key to open the coin box access door on the telephone, removes the coin box, checks the coin box number against the one printed on the route form, and inserts an empty coin box.
- the empty receptacle number is recorded on the route sheet and the receptacle stub along with the time, date, and collector number.
- This system is cumbersome and time consuming, since the coin collector must take time to select the correct key for each telephone and make proper notations to assure that a coin box is identified to a particular telephone. The latter step introduces opportunity for error.
- an "intelligent key” for use in unlocking coin operated telephones.
- the key would be programmed, by a main computer, to unlock, say, 100 telephones on a given day.
- the coin collector would use a bar code reading wand attached to the intelligent key to read a bar code attached to an outside surface of the telephone to obtain the identification of the telephone.
- the smart key would look up the identification in its programmable memory to verify that the telephone is one that can be unlocked on that day.
- the intelligent key is then inserted in the lock and the lock mechanism released by means of data transfer between the two. Bar codes on the full and empty coin boxes are scanned and this data is inputted to a memory in the intelligent key.
- a further disadvantage of conventional locks is that the slots in which keys are inserted can easily accumulate dirt, gum, etc., which foreign matter is difficult to remove.
- Another object of the invention is to provide an indication that a cable secured by an electronic lock has been broken and repaired.
- a lock system including a lock and a key, comprising: a lock housing; a rotatable member disposed in said housing, rotation of which rotatable member selectively effects locking and unlocking of said lock; blocking means operatively connected to said rotatable member to prevent unlocking of said lock except upon receipt of an electrical unlocking signal; key means having an end insertable in said housing and into an end of said rotatable member for rotation of said rotatable member; and means to permit a portion of said rotatable member to rotate without damage to any elements of said lock if rotation of said rotatable member is attempted without receipt of said electrical unlocking signal.
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional coin operated telephone.
- Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.
- Figures 4A and 4B illustrate details of the embodiment of Figure 3.
- Figure 5 is a block/schematic diagram of the embodiment of Figure 2.
- Figure 6 is a timing/logic diagram illustrating the operation of the present invention.
- Figure 7 is a perspective view of the hardware components of the embodiment of Figure 2.
- Figure 8 is a front elevational view, partially cut away, of an alternative lock mechanism embodiment according to the present invention.
- Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line "9- 9" of Figure 8.
- Figure 10 is a front elevational view of the embodiment of Figure 8.
- Figure 11 is a side elevational view of a wrench for use with the lock mechanism of Figures 8-10.
- Figure 12 is a top plan view, partially in cross- section, of the wrench of Figure 11.
- Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical/electronic circuitry of the lock mechanism of Figures 8-10.
- Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view showing the major elements of another intelligent lock/key system according to another aspect of the invention.
- Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view showing the operation of the embodiment of Figure 14.
- Figures 16 and 17 are exploded perspective views showing construction details of the embodiment of Figure 14.
- Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of the barrel assembly of Figure 14.
- Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the barrel of the lock of Figure 14 in normal position.
- Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the barrel of the lock of Figure 15 when unauthorized, forced entry is attempted.
- Figure 21 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the lock of Figure 14 useful for locking cargo containers.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional coin operated telephone, generally indicated by the reference numeral 10. Since telephone 10 is conventional, only those elements thereof with which the present invention is concerned will be described. It will be understood that the base of telephone 10 includes a coin box (not shown) into which fall coins inserted into the telephone to permit operation thereof. Telephone 10 includes a lock mechanism, generally indicated by the reference numeral 12, which has a tumbler slot 14 into which a wrench (not shown) can be inserted to permit a slide bolt 16 to be withdrawn into the housing 18 of the mechanism. Once slide bolt 16 is so withdrawn, an internal mechanism (not shown) permits access door 24 to be opened by insertion of a key (not shown) into key slot 26. This operation gives access to the coin box as is more fully described above.
- FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a lock mechanism according to the present invention, generally indicated by the reference numeral 30.
- Lock mechanism 30 includes a housing 32 in which is disposed for sliding back and forth movement a slide bolt 34.
- a support pin 36 having a threaded distal portion 38 and an intermediate unthreaded portion 40 is inserted through an opening 42 defined in the rear wall of housing 32, with the unthreaded portion engaging the wall of the opening.
- Disposed on unthreaded portion 40 are a cam 46 and a printed circuit board 48.
- the threaded end of support pin 36 engages a barrel 50 so that, unless otherwise impeded, the support pin and the barrel will rotate together.
- a shear pin 54 fixed to cam 46 extends through an opening 56 defined in printed circuit board 48 and into barrel 50 so that those elements will rotate with the barrel and support pin 36.
- Barrel 50 extends through an opening 62 defined in a anti-removal retainer 64 which is fixedly attached to the face of side panel 60 of a telephone (not shown) and through an opening 58 defined in the side panel.
- a cover plate is fixedly attached over anti-removal retainer 64 so, that with the elements of lock mechanism assembled as described above, those elements cannot be extracted from the telephone without disassembly of the telephone.
- the rotatable elements of lock mechanism 30 are prevented from rotation in the direction indicated by the arrow shown on Figure 2 by means of a latch pin 68 fixedly attached to cam 46 which latch pin engages the bottom of a latch bar 70 rotatably attached to side panel 60 by means of a shaft 72.
- Latch bar 70 is held in the position shown by means of a return spring 74 attached to side panel 60.
- a solenoid 76 operatively connected to the upper end of latch bar 70 to withdraw the latch bar from engagement with latch pin 68 and permit the rotatable elements of lock mechanism 30 to rotate.
- the means by which lock mechanism 30 is unlocked includes a wrench, generally indicated by the reference numeral 80.
- Wrench 80 includes a housing 82 with a data probe 84 and a pin 86 extending therefrom. Data probe 84 and pin 86 are insertable into lock mechanism 30 through channels 88 and 90, respectively, defined in barrel 50. Data probe 84 extends through barrel 50 and contacts printed circuit board 48, while pin 86 terminates in the barrel. Probe 84 is of the spring loaded type.
- Wrench 80 is connected to a computer (described below) by means of a cable 92. In operation, wrench 80 is inserted in lock mechanism 30 so that probe 84 contacts printed circuit board 48.
- solenoid 76 When appropriate signals have been exchanged over cable 92, solenoid 76 is activated causing the disengagement of latch bar 70 from latch pin 68 and the wrench can then be rotated clockwise as indicated by the arrow. Such rotational movement causes sliding engagement of a cam surface 94 with a shoulder 96 formed on slide bolt 34 causing the slide bolt to withdraw its distal end into housing 32, thus releasing an internal mechanism (not shown) in the telephone as described above with reference to a conventional telephone lock mechanism.
- Data probe 84 includes an annular channel 98 which engages the edge of a cut-out 100 in opening 62 to prevent removal of wrench 80 when lock mechanism 30 is in its unlocked state.
- FIG 3 illustrates another embodiment of a lock mechanism, generally indicated by the reference numeral 30'. Elements of lock mechanism identical, or nearly so, to those of lock mechanism 30 of Figure 2 are given primed reference numerals.
- Lock mechanism 30' includes a support pin journaled for rotating motion in opening 42 ' and having a smooth shaft portion 110 on which is mounted cam 46'.
- Lock mechanism 30' further includes a barrel 112 fixedly attached to side panel 60' and having an axial channel 114 defined centrally therethrough.
- An anti-rotation retainer 116 having a slotted opening 118 defined therethrough and aligned with channel 114 is fixedly attached to side panel 60'.
- Cam 46' has holes 124 and 126 defined therethrough for fasteners (not shown) which pass through holes 128 and 130 defined through printed circuit board 48' and into a rotation ring 134 to fasten those three elements together so that they are rotatable as a unit.
- Rotation ring 134 has a channel 136 defined therethrough axially aligned with channel 114 and opening 118. Extending radially into channel 136 is a shear pin 138.
- Unlocking of lock mechanism 30' effects the same result as the unlocking of lock mechanism 30 ( Figure 2); however, lock mechanism 30' employs a different wrench, generally indicated by the reference numeral 444.
- Wrench 444 includes a housing 446 and a probe, generally indicated by the reference numeral 448.
- probe 448 includes a shaft portion 450 and a distal tip portion 452, between which is an annular channel 454.
- Distal tip portion 452 includes two flats 454 and 456 spaced apart by 180 degrees on opposite sides of the tip portion and two channels 458 and 460 spaced apart by 180 degrees on opposite sides of the tip portion intermediate the flats.
- a spring loaded probe tip 464 extends from tip portion 452.
- the elements of lock mechanism 30' are configured so that distal tip portion 452 may pass through channel 114.
- Flats 454 and 456 permit passage of tip portion 452 through slotted opening 118 in one orientation, but not if wrench 444 is rotated from that orientation.
- Tip portion 452 may be inserted in channel 136 and, when the orientation of the tip portion to rotation ring 134 is as shown on Figure 3, shear pin 138 will be captured in one of channels 458 and 460.
- wrench 444 When wrench 444 is so inserted in lock mechanism 30', probe tip 464 will contact printed circuit board 48'. With wrench 444 so inserted in lock mechanism 30' and the appropriate signals having been exchanged over cable 92', solenoid 76' will be activated, withdrawing latch bar from engagement with latch pin 68' and cam 46' may be rotated clockwise as indicated by the arrow, by virtue of the engagement of shear pin 138 with one of channels 458 and 460 ( Figures 4A and 4B).
- Lock mechanisms 30 and 30' cannot be unlocked by brute force with a tool fabricated for that purpose, since shear pins 54 and 138, respectively, will be severed by rotation of the tool, absent activation of solenoids 76 and 76' which breaks mechanical communication between a tool inserted in the lock mechanisms and cams 46 and 46'.
- Shear pins 54 and 138 are selected of such diameter and material that they can be forcibly severed much more easily than latch pins 68 and 68', respectively. Were the situation reversed, the latch pins would be severed, the cams would be rotatable, and the respective lock mechanisms 30 and 30' could be unlocked by brute force.
- a computer 150 includes a microprocessor 152 which receives operating power from a voltage regulator 144 which is connected to internal battery 148 when computer 150 is configured as a portable unit.
- the power source here, battery 148, is also connected to a communication line 154 in cable 92 through a resistor 156.
- Microprocessor 152 provides outputs to a maximum power switching transistor 160 and to a data transmitting switching transistor 162.
- Microprocessor 152 has SENSE and RECEIVE DATA inputs.
- Communication line 154 is connected through probe 84 to a microcontroller 170 in lock mechanism 30, the microcontroller receiving operating power from a voltage regulator 172 which is connected to the communication line 154 through an isolation diode 174.
- a capacitor 176 connected between voltage regulator 172 and diode 174 is connected to ground.
- Microcontroller 170 provides outputs to a data transmitting switching transistor 180 and to a power switching transistor 184 connected between solenoid 76 and ground.
- Microcontroller 170 has a RECEIVE DATA input connection to communication line 154.
- FIG. 6 is a timing/logic diagram for the circuitry shown on Figure 5.
- a complete unlock/lock sequence is divided into seven segments, A-G. Segment A is wrench insertion, going from an out position to an in position.
- communication line 154 Figure 5
- resistor 156 are at full battery voltage VI.
- the voltage on communication line 154 drops to a value determined by a voltage divider network comprising resistors 156 and 178, here, voltage V3.
- a comparator (not shown) at SENSE input to microprocessor 152 receives voltage V3 and, since V3 is between voltage limits V2 and V4, the output of the comparator goes positive providing a presence sense signal in the microprocessor. The presence sense signal stays at that condition until removal of the wrench.
- the comparator window is provided so that, if there is a short circuit on insertion of the wrench, the sequence will be not be started.
- microprocessor 152 starts charging, segment C, by turning on transistor 160 which shorts resistor 156 and charges capacitor 176 through diode 174.
- Voltage regulator 172 starts to provide operating power for microcontroller 170.
- Capacitor 176 maintains a charge on voltage regulator 172 during the communication cycle and diode 174 isolates the voltage on capacitor 176 from being discharged.
- transistor 160 is turned off.
- Segment D is the communication segment in which transistors 162 and 180 are alternately turned on depending on whether microprocessor 152 or microcontroller 170, respectively is transmitting during bidirectional communications. Turning on either transistor 162 or 180 pulls down resistor 156 which becomes a pull up resistor. Microprocessor 152 first sends microcontroller 170 an interrogation signal. Microcontroller 170 answers with the serial number of lock mechanism 30. If the serial number corresponds with one stored in microprocessor 152, that is, it identifies a lock that is to be unlocked at this time, microprocessor 152 transmits a password to microcontroller 170 and then turns on transistor 160 to provide power for solenoid 76. When microcontroller 170 verifies the password, it turns on transistor 184, activating solenoid 76 and releasing latch bar 70 from cam 46. Cam 46 can then be rotated, forcing slide bolt 34 ( Figure 2) into housing 32.
- microcontroller 170 may be provided with a real time clock so that a time encryption method may be used advantageously.
- a time encryption method is described in copending US Patent Application Serial Number 07/520,763, filed May 9, 1990, by James S. Bianco et al, titled “Method and Means to Limit Access to Computer Systems," now US Patent Number 5,067,155, issued November 19, 1991, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference hereinto.
- an accessing device encrypts identification information with real time so that the resulting password can be used only for a limited, predetermined period of time.
- Figure 7 illustrates a hardware embodiment of the present invention, including wrench 80 attached to computer 150 by cable 92 to form a compact, easily carried unit.
- Computer 150 has attached thereto a bar code reading wand 190 which may be used to scan bar codes on coin boxes and for other input functions.
- Computer 150 further includes a data display 192 and a keyboard 194 for manual input of data.
- LED 198 Also included in computer 150 is an LED 198 which provides a visual indication when solenoid 76 ( Figure 5) has been energized and wrench 80 can be rotated to unlock lock mechanism 30.
- data as to route, serial numbers of telephones to be accessed, and other information can be downloaded by a main computer to computer 150.
- battery 148 in computer 150 can be replaced or recharged as necessary.
- FIGS. 8-10 illustrate an alternative preferred embodiment of a lock mechanism, generally indicated by the reference numeral 300.
- lock mechanism 300 is characterized in that it is very simple, having only three moving parts: a slide bolt 302, a cam 304 fixedly mounted on a drive shaft 306 by means of a shear pin 308, and a solenoid plunger 310 on the distal end of which is fixedly mounted a stop 312. Solenoid plunger 310 moves up and down within a solenoid body 314 ( Figure 8).
- the foregoing moving parts are disposed in a housing 320 having extending therefrom mounting flanges 322 and 324.
- An internal cavity 326 is defined internally of housing 320, which internal cavity is closed by means of a cover plate 328 attached to housing 320 by means of screws 330 and 332 ( Figure 10).
- a printed circuit board 340 is disposed against the inner surface of cover plate 328.
- a cylindrical wrench retainer 350 ( Figures 9 and 10) is fixedly attached to and extends orthogonally outwardly from cover plate 328 and drive shaft 306 is journaled in, and extends between, in the wrench retainer and the rear wall 352 ( Figure 9) of housing 320.
- a spacer 254 is disposed parallely between slide bolt 302 and rear wall 352. Slide bolt 302 is disposed for back-and- forth horizontal motion within housing 320.
- lock mechanism 300 operates in a very similar manner to the way lock mechanisms 30 and 30' (preceding figures) operate, except for two very important features.
- the first feature is that slide bolt 302 has mounted thereon a wiper contact 360 which contacts printed circuit board 340 to permit sensing of the position of the slide bolt. This is important for it allows sensing that bolt 302 is in the locked position notifying external electronics of that fact. The information can be duly noted in the transaction data that lock mechanism 300 was physically unlocked and then locked. This is required for audit purposes.
- the second feature is that stop 312 engages a contact on printed circuit board 340 when lock mechanism 300 is in the locked position ( Figures 8 and 9).
- solenoid plunger 310 has returned to the locked position and is not stuck inside solenoid body 314, leaving slide bolt 302 in the locked position but without stop 312 in the locked position such that lock mechanism 300 could be unlocked without the necessary electronic clearance. If some one should tamper with stop 312 or plunger 310, that fact would be duly noted when the next time lock mechanism 300 were used and the data collected.
- Another of the important features of lock mechanism 300 is that it is sealed at the point of exposure to the outside and, therefore, extremely protected against tampering.
- Wrench 370 includes a generally cylindrical housing 372 having a two-conductor wire extending from the proximal end thereof and a drive pin holder 374 extending from the distal end thereof. Mounted in and extending axially from drive pin holder 374 are two drive pins 376 and 378 which are insertable in drive sockets 380 and 382 ( Figures 9 and 10) defined in the end of drive shaft 306.
- Drive pin holder 374 has two, opposed tabs 386 and 388 in which drive pins 376 and 378 are mounted, respectively, extending outwardly from the central portion of the drive pin holder so as to form a bar shape interrupted by the central portion of drive pin holder.
- a spring-loaded contact pin 392 is disposed axially centrally of wrench 370 and is connected to the positive of the two conductors of wire 374.
- the ground conductor of wire 374 is connected to at least one of drive pins 376 and 378.
- drive pin holder 374 is insertable into wrench retainer 350 so that tabs 386 and 388 engage a wrench slot 390 ( Figure 10) defined in the wrench retainer, drive pins 367 and 378 are inserted in drive sockets 380 and 382, and spring-loaded contact 392 engages contact 362.
- Wrench slot 390 ( Figure 10) serves as a clean-out slot and allows chewing gum and the like to be easily removed by a simple tool or pick.
- Spring-loaded contact 392 in wrench 370 is protected against static and damage for and forming housing 372 of plastic further reduces the possibility of static.
- Lock mechanism 300 works in a simple fashion as follows: When wrench 370 is inserted into wrench retainer 350, drive pins 376 and 378 engage drive sockets 380 and 382 and, among other points of contact, this establishes a ground for the electronic circuit. Spring-loaded contact pin 392 in wrench 370 contacts the center contact in lock mechanism 300 and establishes a path for power and communications.
- solenoid 314 will cause solenoid plunger 310 to retract and compress a return spring 318. Stop 312 will thereby be moved out of the way of slide bolt and clockwise rotation of drive shaft 306 will cause cam 304 to move slide bolt 302 to the right on Figure 8 into the retracted or open position. As soon as wiper contact 360 on slide bolt disconnects from a sense point on printed circuit board 340, the power to solenoid 314 is removed at that point, greatly reducing the power drain on the batteries energizing the solenoid. When drive shaft 306 is turned approximately 45 degrees clockwise, a flange 344 extending from the right side of slide bolt 302 will strike the right side of housing 320 ( Figure 8).
- Wrench 370 may only be removed from wrench retainer 350 when wrench tabs 386 and 388 are aligned with wrench slot 390 in the retainer ring. This prevents the accidental removal of wrench 370 when lock mechanism 370 is in the open position.
- slide bolt 302 allows stop 312 to return to the locked position when drive shaft 302 is only returned 35 degrees counterclockwise. The remaining 10 degrees is to insure that the lock is closed before the wrench is removed.
- Figure 13 there is illustrated the electrical/electronic circuitry of lock mechanism 300. Since the basic operation thereof is the same as described with reference to lock mechanism 30 on Figure 5, the description of the basic operation will not be repeated here.
- lock mechanism 300 provides an input from wiper contact 360 to microcontroller 170' and stop 312 also provides an input thereto.
- Wiper contact 360 moves between a position in contact with a sense point 420 on printed circuit board 340 ( Figures 8 and 9) when lock mechanism 370 is in its closed position (wiper contact in solid lines) and a position out of contact with the sense point when the lock mechanism is in its open position (wiper contact in broken lines).
- Stop 312 moves between a position in contact with a sense point 422 on printed circuit board ( Figures 8 and 9), providing an input to microcontroller 170" when lock mechanism 300 is locked and a position not in contact with the sense point when the lock mechanism is unlocked.
- FIG 14 illustrates the major elements of another lock/key system, according to the present invention, generally indicated by the reference numeral 500.
- Lock/key system 500 includes a lock assembly 502 and a key assembly 504, which may communicate electrically as described above with reference to Figures 5, 6, and 13; although, other unlocking protocols may be employed as well.
- Lock assembly 502 includes a generally cup-shaped housing 510 in which is disposed for back-and-forth movement therein a slide plate 512 having a locking tongue 514 formed at one edge thereof and extending through a wall of the housing when the device (not shown) of which the lock assembly is in its locked condition. Movement of slide plate 512 to an unlocked position is prevented by the engagement of a tab 516, formed at the other end of the slide plate, with a stop plate 518 disposed at the end of a plunger 520 of a solenoid 522. Such movement of slide plate 512 is also prevented by the engagement of an inner wall 530 of the slide plate with an end 532 of a cam plate 534 forming part of a barrel assembly, the latter generally indicated by the reference numeral 540. Housing 510 is closed by a cover plate 550 having a printed circuit board 552, with electrical components mounted thereon, attached to the inner surface thereof. Solenoid 522 is mounted to printed circuit board 552.
- Key assembly 504 includes a body portion 560 attached to a power/communications cable 562 attached to power and communications circuitry (not shown) and having a shaft 564 fixedly attached to and extending from an edge thereof. Fixedly disposed at the distal end of shaft 564 is an oblong lobe 566 having a communications contact 568 centrally disposed in the distal face thereof. Oblong lobe 566 is insertable in a complementarily shaped opening 580 formed in a housing member 582, fixedly attached to the outer surface of cover plate 550, for insertion in a complementarily shaped opening 584 formed in the end of barrel assembly 540, with communications contact 568 in engagement with a communications contact 586 disposed centrally at the base of opening 584.
- oblong lobe 566 is inserted into opening 580 of housing member 582 through an opening 590 defined through circuit board 552 and into opening 584 in barrel assembly 540.
- the sides of the lobe closely engage or pass by the walls of the opening, thus grounding any static electricity present on the lobe and key 504.
- lobe 568 inserted into opening 584, communications contacts 566 and 586 are engaged and appropriate identification and unlocking signals are exchanged therebetween.
- solenoid 522 withdraws its plunger 520 ( Figure 14), thus drawing stop plate 518 from engagement with tab 516.
- FIG. 16 further illustrates the arrangement of slide plate 512 and housing 510.
- Slide plate 512 includes a guide tab 600 which is dimensioned for back and forth movement in a guide slot 602 defined in a wall of housing 510 as the slide plate moves between unlocked and locked ( Figures 14 and 15) positions.
- a slot 604 is defined in another wall of housing 510 for the movement outward and inward therein of locking tongue 514.
- Slide plate 512 further includes a pin 610 extending orthogonally from the inner surface of the slide plate, the purpose of which pin will be described below with reference to Figure 17.
- a coil spring 612 is disposed between the outer surface of slide plate 512 and the inner surface of the rear wall of housing 510 to help support and position the slide plate in the housing.
- Figure 17 further illustrates the arrangement of housing 510 and cover plate 550 and shows solenoid 522 and barrel assembly 540 in place on printed circuit board 552.
- barrel assembly 540 terminates in an inner shaft 620 which, when lock 502 is assembled, fits into an opening 622 defined in the rear wall of housing 510.
- a wave washer 624 disposed on inner shaft 620 and against the inner surface of the rear wall of housing 510 provides positive force to seat barrel assembly 540.
- Figure 17 also shows a slot 630 defined in printed circuit board 552 having an electrical contact wire 632, attached to the circuit board, disposed at one end of the slot.
- the distal end of pin 610 ( Figure 16) moves back and forth in slot 630.
- pin 610 touches contact wire 632, thus completing a circuit and giving positive electrical indication that the lock 502 is in locked position.
- Figure 17 also shows a communication contact wire 640 attached to printed circuit board 522 which wire contacts barrel assembly 540.
- Figure 18 illustrates the elements of barrel assembly 540 which include, in order, an outer shaft 650 in the face of which ( Figure 15) is defined opening 584, an insulator 652, a contact plate 654 which is contacted by communication contact wire 640 ( Figure 17) and which is electrically connected to communications contact 586 ( Figure 15), an insulator 656, inner shaft 620, cam plate 534, and cupped washers 658 and 660. All of the foregoing elements of barrel assembly 540, except cam plate 534, and cupped washers are aligned and are secured against relative rotational movement by means of pins 670, 672, 674, 676, 678, and 680 disposed as shown.
- barrel assembly 540 The elements of barrel assembly 540 are yieldingly secured against relative axial movement by means of the compression of cupped washers 658 and 660 between the upper surface of cam plate 534 and a dowell pin 688 inserted into an opening 690 defined through inner shaft 620.
- a detent is formed between inner shaft 620 and cam plate 634 by means of a raised portion 700 on the cam plate which engages a complementarily shaped channel 702 defined in a horizontal shoulder on the inner shaft.
- Figure 19 illustrates barrel assembly 540 in its normal configuration.
- the strength of cupped springs 658 and 660 (Figure 18) is sufficient to keep elements 700 and 702 fully engaged while barrel assembly 540 is rotated to lock and unlock lock 502. If, however, there is an attempt to forcibly unlock lock 502 by rotating barrel assembly 540, cupped springs 658 and 660 will compress and elements 700 and 702 will disengage and permit the elements of the barrel assembly to rotate without damage. This is illustrated on Figure 20. Since the communications contact wire 640 is in sliding contact with communications contact plate 654, no electrical connection is broken. When authorized entry is again attempted, barrel assembly 540 is rotated to its detented position ( Figure 19) and the normal unlocking procedure followed, without the necessity to repair any elements.
- FIG 21 illustrates an alternative embodiment of lock/key system 500 shown on Figures 14-20, this embodiment generally indicated by the reference numeral 500*. Elements of lock/key system 500' similar in function to those of lock/key system 500 are given primed reference numerals. Rather than employing a slide plate for locking purposes, lock 502 ' employs a cable 800 which may be used to secure the door of a cargo container (not shown), for example.
- Cable 800 has a fixed end 802 attached to housing 510' and a free end 804 which may be inserted and releasably secured in the housing.
- Cam plate 534 ' includes a locking extension 810 at one end thereof which is insertable in a complementarily dimensioned slot 812 defined in free end 804 of cable 800.
- Can plate 534' further includes a slot 814 defined in the opposite end thereof in which slot complementarily dimensioned stop plate 518' is insertable.
- Cam plate 534' is rotatable between an open position, as shown on Figure 21, and a closed position in which locking extension 810 is inserted in slot 812 and stop plate 518' is inserted in slot 814.
- the unlocking procedure is similar to that described with reference to the unlocking of lock/key 500 on Figure 15.
- lock/key 500' An important feature of lock/key 500' is the provision of a conductive wire 820 disposed in cable 800 to form a continuous loop therethrough, with ends of the wire connected at pads 822 to printed circuit board 552'. Should cable 800 be severed and then repaired, information as to the same can be stored on printed circuit board 552 ' and noted when the cargo container reaches its destination.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP96906640A EP0812376A4 (en) | 1995-02-27 | 1996-02-26 | Intelligent lock system |
CA002213874A CA2213874C (en) | 1995-02-27 | 1996-02-26 | Intelligent lock system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US39541795A | 1995-02-27 | 1995-02-27 | |
US08/395,417 | 1995-02-27 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1996027064A1 true WO1996027064A1 (en) | 1996-09-06 |
Family
ID=23562945
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1996/002594 WO1996027064A1 (en) | 1995-02-27 | 1996-02-26 | Intelligent lock system |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0812376A4 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2213874C (en) |
WO (1) | WO1996027064A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6754321B1 (en) | 2000-02-22 | 2004-06-22 | International Business Machines Corporation | Naming convention for different types of device, and apparatus and methods using the naming convention |
CN105275347A (en) * | 2014-07-18 | 2016-01-27 | 江苏大全封闭母线有限公司 | Interlocking inspection cover structure for outward flange of phaseisolated bus |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2136859A (en) * | 1936-05-07 | 1938-11-15 | Larmloc Corp | Circuit changing system |
US2475220A (en) * | 1946-10-09 | 1949-07-05 | Ray Chaulk | Electric key lock |
EP0293137A2 (en) * | 1987-05-23 | 1988-11-30 | Yale Security Products Limited | Electronic key-operable lock and key therefor |
US4909053A (en) * | 1988-05-17 | 1990-03-20 | Liberty Telephone Communications, Inc. | High security door locking device |
JPH0480482A (en) * | 1990-07-23 | 1992-03-13 | Honda Lock Mfg Co Ltd | Key device |
US5140317A (en) * | 1990-05-11 | 1992-08-18 | Medeco Security Locks, Inc. | Electronic security system |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB750464A (en) * | 1954-02-18 | 1956-06-13 | Wilmot Breeden Ltd | Door locks |
US4073518A (en) * | 1976-05-28 | 1978-02-14 | Goodwin Charles M | Electrically and manually actuatable door locking structure |
CA1140649A (en) * | 1981-09-04 | 1983-02-01 | Jean-Pierre Vanags | Alarm chain lock |
GB2148248B (en) * | 1983-10-25 | 1986-07-09 | James Kerr Dunlop | Anti-theft device |
FR2612976B1 (en) * | 1987-03-23 | 1989-07-21 | Llort Oscar | LOCK WITH LOCKING AND UNLOCKING MECHANISM USING AN ELECTROMAGNET |
CA2088900C (en) * | 1992-07-27 | 2003-12-09 | James S. Bianco | Intelligent lock system |
-
1996
- 1996-02-26 EP EP96906640A patent/EP0812376A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1996-02-26 CA CA002213874A patent/CA2213874C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-02-26 WO PCT/US1996/002594 patent/WO1996027064A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2136859A (en) * | 1936-05-07 | 1938-11-15 | Larmloc Corp | Circuit changing system |
US2475220A (en) * | 1946-10-09 | 1949-07-05 | Ray Chaulk | Electric key lock |
EP0293137A2 (en) * | 1987-05-23 | 1988-11-30 | Yale Security Products Limited | Electronic key-operable lock and key therefor |
US4909053A (en) * | 1988-05-17 | 1990-03-20 | Liberty Telephone Communications, Inc. | High security door locking device |
US5140317A (en) * | 1990-05-11 | 1992-08-18 | Medeco Security Locks, Inc. | Electronic security system |
JPH0480482A (en) * | 1990-07-23 | 1992-03-13 | Honda Lock Mfg Co Ltd | Key device |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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See also references of EP0812376A4 * |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6754321B1 (en) | 2000-02-22 | 2004-06-22 | International Business Machines Corporation | Naming convention for different types of device, and apparatus and methods using the naming convention |
CN105275347A (en) * | 2014-07-18 | 2016-01-27 | 江苏大全封闭母线有限公司 | Interlocking inspection cover structure for outward flange of phaseisolated bus |
CN105275347B (en) * | 2014-07-18 | 2017-07-28 | 江苏大全封闭母线有限公司 | A kind of phaseisolated bus outward flange interlocks access cover structure |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2213874A1 (en) | 1996-09-06 |
EP0812376A1 (en) | 1997-12-17 |
EP0812376A4 (en) | 1999-11-03 |
MX9706526A (en) | 1998-08-30 |
CA2213874C (en) | 2007-02-20 |
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