US4495540A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronic lock
Assignee: Presto Lock Co Inc
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Filing: 1982-12-27
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Granted: 1985-01-22
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Expires: 2002-12-27
Abstract
Abstract An electronic combination lock for luggage and the like comprises a microcomputer, a display having a plurality of display locations, and a plurality of push buttons, one being associated with each display location. Each push button advances its associated display location through a sequence of digits and enables selection of a desired digit for display. A displayed set of digits is compared with a stored predetermined set of digits, and a bistable electromagnetic latch is operated to open the lock when the sets of digits match. The electromagnetic latch comprises a magnetic member pivotally mounted for rotation between a pair of pole pieces, the magnetic member having first and second stable rotational positions at which each magnetic pole is adjacent to a different pole piece, and a pair of oppositely wound coils associated with the pole pieces and responsive to the momentary flow of electrical current therethrough for producing a magnetic flux that causes the magnetic member to rotate from one position to the other.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard C. Remington
- 👤 Lonnie C. Bott
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 12:56
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07C; G07C9/00; G07C9/00174; G07C9/00658; G07C9/00674; G07C9/00698
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
An electronic lock comprising display means having a plurality of display locations, a plurality of push buttons, each push button being associated with a different display location, means responsive to the actuation of each push button for displaying at the associated display location a sequence of indicia and for selecting from the sequence, under the control of the push button, a selected indicium for display at the associated display location, thereby enabling a selected set of indicia to be displayed by the display means, means for storing a predetermined set of indicia corresponding to the on-combination condition of the lock, means for comparing the displayed set of indicia with the stored predetermined set of indicia, and means responsive to the comparison for operating associated latch means to open the lock when the sets of indicia match.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
An electronic lock comprising display means having a plurality of display locations, a plurality of push buttons, each push button being associated with a different display location, means responsive to the actuation of each push button for displaying at the associated display location a sequence of indicia and for selecting from the sequence, under the control of the push button, a selected indicium for display at the associated display location, thereby enabling a selected set of indicia to be displayed by the display means, means for storing a predetermined set of indicia corresponding to the on-combination condition of the lock, means for comparing the displayed set of indicia with the stored predetermined set of indicia, and means responsive to the comparison for operating associated latch means to open the lock when the sets of indicia match.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
The lock of claim 1, wherein the means responsive to the actuation of a push button comprises means for displaying a next indicium of the sequence for each depression of the push button and means for successively displaying the indicia of the sequence when the push button is held depressed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The lock of claim 1 further comprising means responsive to the simultaneous depression of two push buttons, upon the lock being on-combination, for storing a new predetermined set of indicia entered via said push buttons.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The lock of claim 1 further comprising means for automatically scrambling the indicia displayed by the display means after the lock is opened.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
The lock of claim 4, wherein the lock has a combination display mode in which the combination indicia are displayed, and has a time display mode in which time of day is displayed in place of said indicia.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The lock of claim 5, wherein said automatic scrambling means comprises means for automatically placing the lock in the time display mode after it is opened.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The lock of claim 5 further comprising another push button, and means responsive to the actuation of said other push button for selecting the display mode.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
74 words
The lock of claim 1, wherein said associated latch means comprises an electromagnetic latch having a movable member, the movable member having a first position at which it blocks the operation of a latch mechanism and having a second position at which it permits such operation, and wherein said operating means comprises means for applying electrical current to the electromagmetic latch to cause the movable member to move from one position to the other.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The lock of claim 1, wherein the lock is battery operated and further comprises means responsive to the battery voltage dropping to a predetermined level for opening the lock.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
49 words
The lock of claim 1, wherein said displaying and selecting means responsive to the actuation of each push button, said storing means, said comparing means, and said operating means all comprise a microcomputer, and wherein said display means comprises an LCD display and associated controller connected to the microcomputer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
The lock of claim 1, wherein the lock is mounted on a luggage case having a latching mechanism, and said latch means includes means for inhibiting the operation of the latching mechanism when the lock is off-combination.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-01-22 | 1988-07-23 | 1989-01-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-01-22 | 1992-07-23 | 1993-01-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-01-22 | 1996-07-23 | 1997-01-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |