Mechanical/electronic lock and key therefor
US6374653B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/713
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A lock cylinder of standard size and configuration, interchangeable with conventional mechanical cylinders, includes electronic access control features as additional security or in some embodiments as the sole security feature. A microcontroller, memory, solenoid, battery, one wire bus connection and other electric and electronic elements are self contained within the cylinder, being positioned in the cylinder shell or the cylinder plug. The microprocessor can be programmed as to authorized users, entry times, etc. using a special programming key, which itself is programmed with a computer. User keys have a memory cell or ID chip which is read by the cylinder's microcontroller on insertion of the key; however, a system of locks can include locks which are mechanical/electronic, solely electronic and solely mechanical, and keys can also be electronic, mechanical or both. In one embodiment a cylinder collar contains batteries for supplying power to the cylinder, and may also have an LED and contacts for supplying emergency power.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.