US4616491A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Key operated electronic lock
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1984-05-30
•
Granted: 1986-10-14
•
Expires: 2004-05-30
Abstract
Abstract A special type of key is made use of to actuate an electronically triggered release mechanism to unlock a door. To enable the electronic means to function, insertion of the key in the keyway initially closes a switch to energize the electronic circuit. Also when the key reaches the switch closing position, a read head for the electronic circuit, located adjacent the keyway, interprets magnetic coding carried by the key. The electronic circuit is programmed to motivate a motor driven mechanism to move a locking pin out of engagement with a latch bolt where the latch bolt has been acting to hold a door locked. Once the locking pin has been removed, the latch bolt is in fact withdrawn from its locked position by rotation of the key in a substantially normal fashion.
Inventors
- 👤 Leonard J. Genest
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 17:47
CPC Classifications
E; E05; E05B; E05B47/00; E05B47/0001; E05B47/0012; G; G07; G07C; G07C9/00; G07C9/00174; G07C9/00658; G07C9/00722; E05B2047/0014; E05B2047/0015; E05B2047/0018; E05B2047/002; E05B2047/0021; E05B2047/0026; E05B2047/0031; E05B2047/0048; E05B2047/005; E05B2047/0054; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T70/00; Y10T70/70; Y10T70/7051; Y10T70/7057; Y10T70/7062; Y10T70/7068; Y10T70/7073; Y10T70/7079; Y10T70/7441; Y10T70/778; Y10T70/7791; Y10T70/7904
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 55
Claim 1
Independent Claim
183 words
A key operated electronically programmed release mechanism for enabling manipulation of a latch bolt comprising a frame having therein an extendable and retractable latch bolt, a blocker having a first position blocking movement of the latch bolt and a second position removed from said first position, a motor in operable engagement with the blocker for moving the blocker between said positions, an electrically programmed actuating circuit for said motor, a lock mechanism comprising a lock body having a key responsive element mounted therein, said key responsive element having a keyway and a key for said keyway, operating means interconnecting said latch bolt and said key responsive element for shifting said latch bolt between locked and unlocked positions, an activating means for said actuating circuit, magnetic coding on said key and a read head in the actuating circuit and subject to said magnetic coding when the key is in the keyway whereby said coding is adapted to implement activation of said actuating circuit to a condition wherein said blocker is shifted by motor action to enable manipulation of said latch bolt by key movement.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
183 words
A key operated electronically programmed release mechanism for enabling manipulation of a latch bolt comprising a frame having therein an extendable and retractable latch bolt, a blocker having a first position blocking movement of the latch bolt and a second position removed from said first position, a motor in operable engagement with the blocker for moving the blocker between said positions, an electrically programmed actuating circuit for said motor, a lock mechanism comprising a lock body having a key responsive element mounted therein, said key responsive element having a keyway and a key for said keyway, operating means interconnecting said latch bolt and said key responsive element for shifting said latch bolt between locked and unlocked positions, an activating means for said actuating circuit, magnetic coding on said key and a read head in the actuating circuit and subject to said magnetic coding when the key is in the keyway whereby said coding is adapted to implement activation of said actuating circuit to a condition wherein said blocker is shifted by motor action to enable manipulation of said latch bolt by key movement.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
A key operated electronically programmed release mechanism as in claim 1 wherein said activating means has an extension adjacent said keyway and said key has a shank complementary with respect to said keyway, the configuration of said shank being one which when inserted in the keyway is adapted to shift the extension to a position wherein said actuating circuit is energized.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A key operated electronically programmed release mechanism as in claim 2 wherein said extension has a pivotal mounting on said lock body, said activating means and said read head having positions on and carried by said extension.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
A key operated electronically programmed release mechanism as in claim 1 wherein said read head has a location on said extension in reading position relative to said magnetic coding when the shaft of the key is in engagement with the extension.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
A key operated electronically programmed release mechanism as in claim 1 wherein said keyway has a longitudinally extending guiding configuration and said key shank has longitudinally extending configurations complementary with respect to the guiding configuration of said keyway.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
54 words
A key operated electronically programmed release mechanism as in claim 1 wherein said lock mechanism is a tumbler lock having a plurality of spaced tumbler locations, tumbler means at one of said tumbler locations being adapted upon rotation of the rotatable element to a latch bolt operative position to inhibit withdrawal of the key.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
A key operated electronically programmed release mechanism as in claim 6 wherein tumbler means at one of the tumbler locations is subject to adjustment to enable rotation of said rotatable element in the alternative in one direction or in the opposite direction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
48 words
A key operated electronically programmed release mechanism as in claim 6 wherein there is resilient detent means acting between said lock body and said rotatable element at a location coincident with interfacing of said magnetic coding and said read head whereby to facilitate the reading of said coding.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
A key operated electronically programmed release mechanism as in claim 8 wherein said resilient detent means comprises a spring pressed element in said lock body, said rotatable element having a recess therein receptive of said spring pressed element.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
68 words
A key operated electronically programmed release mechanism as in claim 1 wherein said lock body and said rotatable element interface at a shear line and said lock mechanism comprises a tumbler lock having a plurality of spaced tumbler locations, tumbler means at said locations having positions relative to the shear line enabling rotation of the rotatable element when the magnetic coding has been interfaced with said read head.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
122 words
A key operated electronically programmed release mechanism as in claim 1 wherein said lock body comprises a cylinder barrel and said rotatable element comprises a key plug coinciding with said cylinder barrel at a shear line and there is a shank on said key for insertion into said keyway, said shank having axially spaced key cuts therein, said cylinder barrel and said key plug having a plurality of longitudinally spaced sets of tumbler bores having tumblers therein, said key cuts having operative positions respectively coincident with said tumbler bores when the depth of said key cuts relative to the tumblers enable junctions between said tumblers to coincide with the shear line thereby to enable rotation of said key plug by said key.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
113 words
A locking mechanism and an electronically programmed release mechanism for enabling manipulation of said locking mechanism, said locking mechanism comprising a frame having therein a locking bolt movable between an extended locked position and a retracted unlocked position, a blocker having a first position blocking movement of said bolt and a second position removed from said first position and an electric motor powered means having an operable engagement with said blocker for moving said blocker between said first and second positions when energized, key means having magnetic coding thereon and read means in said release mechanism responsive to said magnetic coding for initiating operation of said release mechanism and energization of said motor.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
113 words
A locking mechanism and an electronically programmed release mechanism for enabling manipulation of said locking mechanism, said locking mechanism comprising a frame having therein a locking bolt movable between an extended locked position and a retracted unlocked position, a blocker having a first position blocking movement of said bolt and a second position removed from said first position and an electric motor powered means having an operable engagement with said blocker for moving said blocker between said first and second positions when energized, key means having magnetic coding thereon and read means in said release mechanism responsive to said magnetic coding for initiating operation of said release mechanism and energization of said motor.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
49 words
A locking mechanism and an electronically programmed release mechanism as in claim 12 wherein said key means includes an extension for mechanically moving said bolt between said locked and unlocked positions and wherein said release mechanism is responsive to said magnetic coding whereby to initiate energization of said motor.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
43 words
A locking mechanism and an electronically programmed release mechanism as in claim 13 wherein said blocker is a locking pin movable axially between a position of engagement with said extension on the key means and a position out of engagement with said extension.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
39 words
A locking mechanism and an electronically programmed release mechanism as in claim 12 wherein said motor powered means comprises a reversible motor, a speed reducing gear train and a resilient arm interconnecting said locking pin and said gear train.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
34 words
A locking mechanism as in claim 15 wherein said motor powered means comprises a reversible motor and a motor driven shaft, and a resilient arm interconnecting said motor driven shaft and said locking pin.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
A locking mechanism as in claim 16 wherein one end of said resilient arm comprises a spirally coiled portion in engagement with the driven shaft.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
A locking mechanism as in claim 17 wherein the other end of said resilient arm has a releasable operable engagement with said locking pin.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
101 words
A key for an electronically programmed release mechanism as claimed in claim 1, the form of that portion of the key which is to be inserted into the lock corresponding to a shank and a hand hold on said shank, a keying release face on said shank for release orientation when in said keyway, a magnetic code area in an orientation on said shank for cooperation with said read head, and longitudinally extending guide means on said shank adapted for guiding engagement with said keyway when the shank is extended into said keyway for actuating engagement with said programmed release mechanism.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
46 words
A key as in claim 19 wherein said keying release face is a tumbler engaging face and there is a face for said magnetic code area at a location rotatably removed from said tumbler engaging face, said tumbler engaging face being for reception of key cuts.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
37 words
A key as in claim 19 wherein the thickness of said shank in a direction ninety degrees removed from said tumbler engaging face is different from the thickness in a direction normal to the tumbler engaging face.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
26 words
A key as in claim 21 wherein the thickness of said shank in one of said directions is depended upon for energization of said actuating circuit.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
31 words
A key as in claim 21 wherein said longitudinally extending guide means has a breadth greater than the thickness of said shank in a direction normal to said tumbler engaging face.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
A key as in claim 23 wherein said magnetic code area is on said guide means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
55 words
A key as in claim 23 wherein said longitudinally extending guide means has opposite longitudinally extending edges, one of said edges being at a location removed vertically from the tumbler engaging face and the other of said edges being at a location removed vertically from the side of said shank opposite said tumbler engaging face.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
33 words
A key as in claim 19 wherein there is a shoulder intermediate the handhold and the shank for engagement with said locking system during rotation of said key relative to said release mechanism.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
19 words
A key as in claim 19 wherein the material of said key is a dielectric synthetic plastic resin material.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
167 words
An electronically programmed mechanism for implementing the locking and unlocking of a door in response to a manual actuator, said mechanism comprising a frame having inside and outside faces for mounting on a door, a locking element, a mechanical linkage in engagement with the locking element for shifting the locking element between locked and unlocked positions, program responsive electronic circuitry on one side of the frame and actuator responsive means facing the other side of the frame, said mechanical linkage forming an operative association with said actuator responsive means and said locking element, a magnetically responsive read head in operative association with said actuator responsive means and in electric association with said electric circuitry, blocking means on the frame for said mechanical linkage, an electrically driven reciprocating linkage on the frame in operable engagement with said blocking means and in electrical association with said electronic circuitry, whereby to block and unblock said blocking means enabling reciprocating movement of said locking element to alternative lock and unlock positions.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
167 words
An electronically programmed mechanism for implementing the locking and unlocking of a door in response to a manual actuator, said mechanism comprising a frame having inside and outside faces for mounting on a door, a locking element, a mechanical linkage in engagement with the locking element for shifting the locking element between locked and unlocked positions, program responsive electronic circuitry on one side of the frame and actuator responsive means facing the other side of the frame, said mechanical linkage forming an operative association with said actuator responsive means and said locking element, a magnetically responsive read head in operative association with said actuator responsive means and in electric association with said electric circuitry, blocking means on the frame for said mechanical linkage, an electrically driven reciprocating linkage on the frame in operable engagement with said blocking means and in electrical association with said electronic circuitry, whereby to block and unblock said blocking means enabling reciprocating movement of said locking element to alternative lock and unlock positions.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
24 words
An electronically programmed mechanism as in claim 28 wherein there is a power pack for said electronic circuitry at a location adjacent said circuitry.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
31 words
An electronically programmed mechanism as in claim 28 wherein said reciprocating linkage is at a location on the inside of said frame adjacent an inside end of said actuator responsive means.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
74 words
An electronically programmed mechanism as in claim 28 wherein there is a dead bolt on said frame in operative relationship with said mechanical linkage, a separate thumb turn assembly on the inside of the frame in operating relationship with said dead bolt, electric cut-off means for said electric circuitry and actuating means for said cut-off means responsive to said thumb turn assembly when the dead bolt is extended whereby to disable said electronic circuitry.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
66 words
An electronically programmed mechanism as in claim 28 wherein said blocking means comprises a blocking element in non-rotatable engagement with said actuator responsive means having a blocking configuration, a reciprocatable locking pin on the frame having a reciprocating path of movement to stages respectively in and out of engagement with said blocking element, said locking pin being in operative engagement with said electrically driven reciprocating linkage.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
44 words
An electronically programmed mechanism as in claim 32 wherein there is a reversing and power cut-off switch device in said electrically driven reciprocating linkage adapted to deenergize and reverse direction of said linkage at the completion of each reciprocating stage of said locking pin.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
124 words
A electronically programmed release mechanism for enabling manipulation of a latch bolt comprising a frame having therein an extendable and retractable latch bolt, a blocker having a first position blocking movement of the latch bolt and a second position removed from said first position, motor means in operable engagement with the blocker for moving the blocker between said positions, an electronically programmed actuating circuit for said motor means, a lock mechanism comprising key responsive operating means interconnected with said latch bolt for shifting said latch bolt between locked and unlocked positions, and key responsive activating means for said actuating circuit, wherein said blocker is shifted by action of said motor means between said first and second positions to enable manipulation of said latch bolt.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
124 words
A electronically programmed release mechanism for enabling manipulation of a latch bolt comprising a frame having therein an extendable and retractable latch bolt, a blocker having a first position blocking movement of the latch bolt and a second position removed from said first position, motor means in operable engagement with the blocker for moving the blocker between said positions, an electronically programmed actuating circuit for said motor means, a lock mechanism comprising key responsive operating means interconnected with said latch bolt for shifting said latch bolt between locked and unlocked positions, and key responsive activating means for said actuating circuit, wherein said blocker is shifted by action of said motor means between said first and second positions to enable manipulation of said latch bolt.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
17 words
An electronically programmed release mechanism as in claim 34 wherein said motor means is an electric motor.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
19 words
An electronically programmed release mechanism as in claim 34 wherein said key responsive operating means is a mechanical linkage.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
19 words
An electronically programmed release mechanism as in claim 34 wherein said key responsive activating means is an electric linkage.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
77 words
A multi-purpose progressively operating key for an electronic locking system comprising a handhold and a shank extending from said handhold, a mechanical keying release face on said shank at one circumferential location at a location adjacent the free end of the shank, a magnetic code face on said shank at another circumferential location, and longitudinally extending mechanical guide means on said shank at a circumferential location intermediate the mechanical keying release face and the magnetic code face.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
77 words
A multi-purpose progressively operating key for an electronic locking system comprising a handhold and a shank extending from said handhold, a mechanical keying release face on said shank at one circumferential location at a location adjacent the free end of the shank, a magnetic code face on said shank at another circumferential location, and longitudinally extending mechanical guide means on said shank at a circumferential location intermediate the mechanical keying release face and the magnetic code face.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
41 words
A key as in claim 38 wherein said mechanical keying release face is a tumbler engaging face receptive of key cuts and there is an area for said magnetic code face at a location rotatably removed from said tumbler engaging face.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
23 words
A key as in claim 38 wherein the transverse configuration of said shank adjacent the free end comprises a mechanical switch actuating means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
33 words
A key as in claim 38 wherein said longitudinally extending mechanical guide means has a breadth greater than the thickness of said shank in a direction normal to said mechanical keying release face.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
17 words
A key as in claim 41 wherein said magnetic code face is on said mechanical guide means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
56 words
A key as in claim 41 wherein said longitudinally extending mechanical guide means has opposite longitudinally extending edges, one of said edges being at a location spaced from the mechanical keying release face and the other of said edges being at a location spaced from the face of said shank opposite said mechanical keying release face.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
35 words
A key as in claim 38 wherein there is a diametrically extending shoulder intermediate the handhold and the shank for engagement with said locking system during rotation of said key relative to said locking system.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
18 words
A key as in claim 38 wherein the material of said key is a synthetic plastic resin material.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
164 words
An electronically programmed release mechanism for enabling mechanical manipulation of a latch bolt comprising a frame having therein an extendable and retractable latch bolt, a blocker having a first position blocking movement of the latch bolt and a second position removed from this first position, motor means in operable engagement with the blocker for moving the blocker between said positions, an electrically programmed actuating circuit for said motor means, a lock mechanism comprising a key responsive operating means interconnected with said latch bolt for shifting said latch bolt between locked and unlocked positions, key activated reading means for effecting operation of said blocker and a multi-purpose key, said key comprising a mechanically keyed portion having an operative relationship with said latch bolt and adapted to effect movement of said latch bolt between locked and unlocked positions and a coded portion having an operative relationship with said key activated reading means and adapted to effect operation of said blocker between said first and second positions.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
164 words
An electronically programmed release mechanism for enabling mechanical manipulation of a latch bolt comprising a frame having therein an extendable and retractable latch bolt, a blocker having a first position blocking movement of the latch bolt and a second position removed from this first position, motor means in operable engagement with the blocker for moving the blocker between said positions, an electrically programmed actuating circuit for said motor means, a lock mechanism comprising a key responsive operating means interconnected with said latch bolt for shifting said latch bolt between locked and unlocked positions, key activated reading means for effecting operation of said blocker and a multi-purpose key, said key comprising a mechanically keyed portion having an operative relationship with said latch bolt and adapted to effect movement of said latch bolt between locked and unlocked positions and a coded portion having an operative relationship with said key activated reading means and adapted to effect operation of said blocker between said first and second positions.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
41 words
An electronically programmed release mechanism as in claim 46 wherein there is a switch means for said circuit including a mechanical component, said key including mechanical means for operative association with said mechanical component whereby to effect energization of said circuit.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
29 words
An electronically programmed release mechanism as in claim 47 wherein the mechanical means for operative association with said mechanical component of the switch comprises the shank of the key.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
30 words
An electronically programmed release mechanism as in claim 46 wherein the mechanically keyed portion of the key comprises a shank subject to rotation to effect movement of said latch bolt.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-10-13 | 1990-04-14 | 1990-10-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-10-13 | 1994-04-14 | 1994-10-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-10-13 | 1998-04-14 | 1998-10-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |