Touch bar release locking system
US4871204A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 8, 1988 |
| Grant date | Oct 3, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 8, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T292/57
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The touch bar release locking system includes a hollow metal channel which affixes to a door at two points via insulating spacer blocks. Within the channel is housed a capacitive sensor which functions by detecting the additional capacitance coupled to the hollow channel by the act of a person touching it (even through gloves or clothing). When the additional capacitance is detected, a relay energizes and actuation of the relay contacts releases an electric lock which had been securing the door, thereby providing free egress. In the event of catastrophic sensor failure, egress can still be accomplished by pressing an electromechanical push button, mounted on the rear of the hollow channel, which duplicates the effect of energization of the sensor relay.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.