Patent · US Expired

Electronic locking system and key therefor

US4848115A · kind A · utility

81Cited by
12References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 1, 1987
Grant dateJul 18, 1989
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 1, 2007

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T70/7605
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

The invention adapts to an electronic lock comprising a housing, and a plug supported for rotation within the housing and having a keyway to receive the blade of a key which rotates the plug during operation of the locking apparatus. A locking member is movable into engagement with the plug to prevent the movement of the plug and the operation of the locking apparatus and movable out of engagement with the plug to allow the rotation of the plug and the operation of the locking apparatus. A solenoid having a core coupled to the locking member moves the locking member into and out of engagement with the plug. A permanent magnet is movable between a first position to receive and hold the solenoid core to maintain the locking member out of engagement with the plug, and a second position to release the solenoid core, and a driving means moves the magnet in at least one direction between the first and second positions. Consequently, power may be turned off to the solenoid after retention by the magnet and a battery source is preserved.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.