Electronic dial combination lock
US4745784A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 21, 1986 |
| Grant date | May 24, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 21, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/7254
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An electronic dial combination lock has a spindle journalled within the lock for movement in two degrees of freedom, i.e., both rotational and axial displacement, to cause engagement of a push pin located on an internal cam wheel to engage one of a plurality of pressure-sensitive switches within the lock located in an evenly-spaced, circular pattern centered on the spindle's axis, each switch capable of making a discrete, unique electrical connection. Circuit means contained in the region sense the making of the electrical connections and detect when a given subset of connections has been made in a predetermined, sequential order corresponding to the lock's combination, to initiate an electrical signal within the region. The electrical signal may be used, e.g., to operate a solenoid to permit a conventional fence lever to engage the cam wheel such that a bolt within the lock may be withdrawn, such as in a safe door. The lock's internalization of all electronic circuitry renders it tamper-resistant relative to prior art electronic locks and as a suitable replacement for conventional, all-mechanical tumbler wheel locks.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.