Electronic lock and key
First Claim
1. An electronic lock and key comprising:
- an electronic key including a key signal generator which generates a predetermined signal when said key is inserted into a keyhole of a key holder disposed within said lock;
an electronic lock comprising, an unlocking means for unlocking said lock,an alarming circuit,a power source for supplying power to said lock and said key,wherein said alarming circuit becomes actuated when a power voltage which is greater than a predetermined level is applied to said lock,a signal comparing circuit, said signal comparing circuit including a comparator and a lock signal generator for generating a reference signal, wherein said comparator compares said predetermined signal generated by said key signal generator and said reference signal generated by said lock signal generator and wherein said comparator outputs a first control signal when said predetermined signal and said reference signal are substantially identical thereby indicating the insertion of an authorized key into said keyhole and a second control signal when said predetermined signal and said reference signal are substantially different thereby indicating the insertion of an unauthorized key into said keyhole,a delay/switching circuit having a first delay circuit, a second delay circuit, a first relay circuit, and a second relay circuit, wherein where said comparator outputs said first control signal said first delay circuit, coupled between said lock and said power source, becomes actuated a predetermined length of time after receiving said first control signal, thereby actuating said first relay circuit so that said unlocking means actuates to unlock said lock and wherein when said comparator outputs said second control signal said second delay circuit becomes actuated a predetermined length of time after receiving said second control signal thereby actuating said second relay circuit so that said alarming circuit actuates thereby alerting a listener of the insertion of an unauthorized key into said keyhole,and a protecting circuit having a relay circuit which actuates to prevent damage from occuring to said electronic lock when one of a power voltage greater than a predetermined level is applied thereto and a short circuit occurs therein.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An electronic lock and key includes an electronic key which produces a specific electric signal such as a frequency signal, photo signal or logic signal when inserted into the key holder of the lock; and an electronic lock which is comprised of a power source, a key holder, a lock signal generator, and a signal comparing circuit that compares the signal of said key and the signal of said lock signal generator. The electronic lock and key further includes: a delay/switching circuit which supplies a power source to an unlocking device when the key is recognized as a proper key, an unlocking device which is controlled by a delay/switching circuit and which is actuated by the power source, and alarming circuit which is actuated when a key is recognized as a wrong key and when an excessive power voltage is applied, and a protecting circuit which operates to protect as the electronic lock and key circuitry from short circuits and excessive power voltages, when used with a vehicle, an alcohol sensing part, can be added to the starting system of a vehicle for preventing a driver from driving while intoxicated. A start/switching part is also provided between the signal comparing circuit and the starting system for controlling the start of the engine of the vehicle in accordance with the authenticity of the key and the operation of the alcohol sensing part.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. An electronic lock and key comprising:
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an electronic key including a key signal generator which generates a predetermined signal when said key is inserted into a keyhole of a key holder disposed within said lock; an electronic lock comprising, an unlocking means for unlocking said lock, an alarming circuit, a power source for supplying power to said lock and said key, wherein said alarming circuit becomes actuated when a power voltage which is greater than a predetermined level is applied to said lock, a signal comparing circuit, said signal comparing circuit including a comparator and a lock signal generator for generating a reference signal, wherein said comparator compares said predetermined signal generated by said key signal generator and said reference signal generated by said lock signal generator and wherein said comparator outputs a first control signal when said predetermined signal and said reference signal are substantially identical thereby indicating the insertion of an authorized key into said keyhole and a second control signal when said predetermined signal and said reference signal are substantially different thereby indicating the insertion of an unauthorized key into said keyhole, a delay/switching circuit having a first delay circuit, a second delay circuit, a first relay circuit, and a second relay circuit, wherein where said comparator outputs said first control signal said first delay circuit, coupled between said lock and said power source, becomes actuated a predetermined length of time after receiving said first control signal, thereby actuating said first relay circuit so that said unlocking means actuates to unlock said lock and wherein when said comparator outputs said second control signal said second delay circuit becomes actuated a predetermined length of time after receiving said second control signal thereby actuating said second relay circuit so that said alarming circuit actuates thereby alerting a listener of the insertion of an unauthorized key into said keyhole, and a protecting circuit having a relay circuit which actuates to prevent damage from occuring to said electronic lock when one of a power voltage greater than a predetermined level is applied thereto and a short circuit occurs therein. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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- 10. An electronic lock and key for use with vehicles comprising an electronic key which produces a predetermined unlocking signal to unlock said lock when said key is an authorized key and is inserted within said lock, an electronic lock having at least two key holders for receiving said key, an alcohol sensing means, a power source, wherein each of said key holders is coupled to a start switch and a control switch to comprise a start/switching means, said start/switching means being coupled between said lock and a starting system for said vehicle, said starting system including an ignition coil so that when said lock is unlocked by the insertion of said authorized key, power from said power source is supplied to said starting system thereby initiating operation of said starting system, wherein said alcohol sensing means is coupled between said power source and said ignition coil of said vehicle, so that when said alcohol sensing means receives an input representing intoxication of a driver, said alcohol sensing means prevents said ignition coil from receiving power from said power source, thereby preventing the operation of said starting system and said vehicle when said driver is intoxicated.
Specification