Electronic padlock
First Claim
1. A method of operating a motor actuated electric lock comprising:
- (a) operating the motor in a first direction;
(b) monitoring energy consumed by the motor;
(c) if the energy is abnormal, operating the motor in a second direction opposite the first; and
(d) repeating at least step (a).
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Latching components of a padlock are driven by a motor between latched and released positions. An encoder element with associated optical elements provides position information to a control circuit. The control circuit correlates the position information with the signal directing power to the motor so that the motor is precisely controlled for moving the latching elements between release and latch. If the motor jams (sensed by overcurrent), it is operated briefly in alternating directions to try and dislodge the grit or ice causing the jam. The padlock shackle is latched into place by balls which are driven into recesses in the shackle legs. The use of plural balls on at least one side helps isolate the drive motor and gears from grit that may enter through the padlock'"'"'s top shackle holes.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method of operating a motor actuated electric lock comprising:
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(a) operating the motor in a first direction; (b) monitoring energy consumed by the motor; (c) if the energy is abnormal, operating the motor in a second direction opposite the first; and (d) repeating at least step (a). - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of freeing a jam in a motor-operated lock, comprising:
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detecting the jam in the lock based on energy consumed by the motor; and freeing the jam by reversing a direction in which the motor is operating at least twice. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. A method of freeing a jam in a motor-operated lock, comprising:
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detecting the jam in the lock; and shaking the lock by alternatingly operating the motor in opposite directions. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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Specification