Electronic locking system with an access-control solenoid
US6108188A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 15, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 15, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07C9/33
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electronic locking system with an access-control solenoid for controlling the operation of a locking mechanism is substantially immune to "hot-wiring." The locking system includes an actuating circuit for energizing the access-control solenoid. The actuating circuit is responsive to a modulated drive signal of a selected frequency to apply current through the solenoid to retract its plunger, while blocking externally applied DC voltages from reaching the solenoid. When an access code is entered through an input device, a control circuit of the locking system verifies the access code. When the code is verified, the control circuit generates the modulated drive signal to energize the solenoid to retract the plunger, thereby allowing the locking mechanism to be unlocked. After the plunger is retracted, the frequency of the modulated drive signal is changed to reduce the power consumption for retaining the plunger in its retracted position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.