Digital electronic lock system

• US 4,594,637 A
• Filed: 02/21/1985
• Issued: 06/10/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/1985
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: GE Interlogix Incorporated (General Electric Company)
• Original Assignee: Sidney Falk
• Inventors: Falk, Sidney
• Primary Examiner(s): Gellner, Michael L.
• Application Number:
  US06/703,813
• Time in Patent Office: 474 Days
• Field of Search: 361/171, 361/172
• US Class Current: 361/172
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0062 by generator
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00761 with data transmission performed by connected means, e.g. mechanical contacts, plugs, connectors
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/0069 actuated in a predetermined sequence

Abstract

An apparatus for electronically controlling the activation of a lock-release mechanism comprising a small, lightweight portable housing that can be easily carried and includes electromechanical means for converting mechanical movement initiated by an operator to electrical signals and an energization source for powering both the electromechanical means and the lock-release mechanism. The lock-release mechanism includes an electronic decoder and detector for receiving the signals generated by the electromechanical means and for receiving power from the energization source within the portable housing. In response to a correct signal code, the electronic decoder and detector in the lock-release mechanism releases an associated lock, thereby freeing the structure secured by the lock.

Claims

1. In an electronic lock system for operating an electromechanical lock having an input port for electronic signals, an electronic key comprising, in combination:

a portable housing containing a power source for generating power signals and including input means for generating electronic signals; and

means for detachably joining the portable housing to the input port of said electromechanical lock and transferring said power signals to said electromechanical lock wherein said power signals are its sole source of power.

2. In the electronic lock system set forth in claim 1 said power source supplies power to a decoder, a detector and a locking mechanism in said electromechanical lock.

3. In the electronic lock system set forth in claim 2, said detector responds to a predetermined sequence of signals generated by said input means.

4. In the electronic lock system set forth in claim 3, said detector energizes said locking mechanism only in response to receiving said predetermined sequence of signals.

5. In the electronic lock system set forth in claim 4, said detector includes means for resetting in response to an out-of-sequence signal from said input means.

6. An electronic key as set forth in claim 1 wherein said portable housing includes an encoder responsive to signals generated by said input means.

7. An electronic key as set forth in claim 6 wherein said input means is a keypad.

8. An electronic key as set forth in claim 7 wherein said input and output ports are pin connectors.

9. An apparatus for electronically controlling the activation of a lock-release mechanism, said apparatus comprising:

a small, lightweight portable housing capable of being easily carried;

an input means associated with said housing for converting instructions initiated by an operator of said apparatus into electrical signals;

an energization source within said housing for powering said input means, said energization source having at least two terminals;

a first connector integral with said housing and providing output ports for the electrical signals of said input means and the terminals of said energization source;

a lock-release mechanism and a lock associated therewith mounted to a stationary fixture;

a second connector for electronically mating with said first connector, said second connector being integrally mounted with said lock-release mechanism;

an electronic decoder and detector means in said lock-release mechanism for receiving said electrical signals from said input means and for receiving power from said energization source when said first and second connectors are joined; and

said electronic decoder and detector means being responsive to a predetermined coded signal to transfer power from said energization source to said lock-release mechanism thereby releasing the lock associated with said lock-release mechanism.

10. A method for energizing a lock-release mechanism integrally associated with a stationary device secured by a lock wherein said lock-release mechanism has an electrical input port for receiving power and control signals from a portable activator having an electrical output port, said method comprising the steps of:

mating said electrical output port of said portable activator with said electrical input port of said lock-release mechanism;

transferring electrical power to a decoder and a detector in said lock-release mechanism from a power source in said portable activator;

transmitting from said portable activator a predetermined signal sequence from said output port and into said input port of said lock release mechanism;

decoding said predetermined signal sequence;

detecting said predetermined signal sequence and, in response thereto, releasing said lock;

opening said stationary device unlocked by said lock-release mechanism; and

decoupling said input and said output ports so that said portable activator is detached from said lock-release mechanism and removed to a remote location where it is physically and electronically isolated from said lock-release mechanism.

11. An apparatus for unlocking a locking mechanism comprising in combination:

a portable actuator comprising;

a power source,

an input means energized by said power source for converting electromechanical signals generated by mechanical movement initiated by an operator to coded electrical signals,

an output port having outputs for said input means and said power source, and

a lock-release mechanism comprising;

an input port for detachably mating with said output port of said portable actuator,

a decoder for decoding said coded electrical signals from said input means by way of said input port, said decoder being supplied with power from said power source in said portable actuator by way of the coupling between said input and output ports,

a detector for receiving decoded signals from said decoder, said detector also being supplied with power from said power source in said portable actuator by way of the coupling between said input and output ports and said detector generating an output signal in response to detecting a predetermined signal from said input means, and

an electromechanical means and a lock associated therewith responsive to said output signal from said detector for unlocking said lock, said electromechanical means being supplied with power from said power source in said portable actuator by way of the coupling between said input and output ports.

12. An apparatus for unlocking a locking mechanism and for receiving a portable actuator which includes a signal input means, power pack and output port, said apparatus comprising:

an input port connected to a physically accessible area of said locking mechanism for mating with said output port of said portable actuator for transmitting to said apparatus signals from said signal input means and power from said power pack;

a decoder for decoding signals from said signal input means received by way of said output and input ports, said decoder being supplied with power from said power pack by way of said output and input ports;

a detector for receiving decoded signals from said decoder and being supplied with power from said power pack, said detector generating an output signal in response to receiving a predetermined decoded signal; and

an electromechanical means response to said output signal from said detector for unlocking said locking mechanism, said electromechanical means being supplied with power from said power pack by way of said input and output ports.