U.S. patent number RE29,341 [Application Number 05/595,893] was granted by the patent office on 1977-08-02 for locking apparatus.
Invention is credited to Sherman M. Peters, Lawrence M. Smith.
United States Patent |
RE29,341 |
Peters , et al. |
August 2, 1977 |
Locking apparatus
Abstract
An electronic control actuating system having signal
transmitting or injector means and signal receiving means. The
signal transmitting means includes a plurality of self-contained
oscillator circuits, each oscillator circuit capable of producing
an independent radio frequency output signal and wherein the
oscillating circuits are adapted to be selectively positioned
relative to an actuator means capable of sequentially supplying
energy to each of the oscillator circuits for effecting an output
of a plurality of sequentially transmitted coded signals. The
signal receiving means includes a plurality of self-contained
filter circuits, each filter circuit designed for receiving one of
the coded radio frequency signals produced by the signal
transmitting means, with the signal receiving means including a
plurality of sequentially operable switching means, and wherein the
filter circuits are adapted to be selectively positioned relative
to the sequentially operable switching means for effecting a
sequential operation of the switching means to produce an output
actuator signal in response to a complete reception of the coded
signals produced by the signal transmitting means. Should any
signal be received out of sequence, there will be no output signal
to the actuator (unlocking-locking unit). .Iadd.
Inventors: |
Peters; Sherman M. (Tulsa,
OK), Smith; Lawrence M. (Marietta, GA) |
Family
ID: |
26945718 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/595,893 |
Filed: |
July 14, 1975 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
256975 |
May 25, 1972 |
03794848 |
Feb 26, 1974 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
307/129; 70/280;
361/182; 361/171 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07C
9/00182 (20130101); Y10T 70/7113 (20150401); G07C
2009/00793 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G07C
9/00 (20060101); E05B 049/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;307/129 ;317/134,138
;70/280 ;340/274R |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Hohauser; Herman
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Head, Johnson & Chafin
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An electronic control actuating system comprising in
combination:
a. signal transmitting means including .Iadd.
(1) .Iaddend.a plurality of signal transmitting elements comprising
self-contained oscillator circuits with each signal transmitting
oscillator circuit operable for producing a different radio
frequency output signal.[.;.]..Iadd., .Iaddend..Iadd.
(2) .Iaddend.actuator means operable for sequentially supplying
energy to each of said oscillator circuits for sequentially
producing a plurality of coded radio frequency output signals
.[.and with said actuator means comprising a rotatable drum having
a set of camming elements;.]..Iadd., .Iaddend..[.and.]..Iadd.
(3) .Iaddend.means for selectively relocating said signal
transmitting elements relative to said actuator means including a
plurality of sets of releasable connectors with the relative
spacing and orientation of the releasable connection of each set
being substantially identical, .Iadd.
(4) .Iaddend.a plurality of switches located adjacent said
.[.rotatable drum in operative association with said camming
means,.]. .Iadd.actuator means .Iaddend.and .Iadd.
(5) .Iaddend.a plurality of .[.conductor.]. .Iadd.conductors
.Iaddend.coupling said switches with said releasable connectors
whereby said coded output signal produced by said signal
transmitting means can be selectively .[.programmed.].
.Iadd.reprogrammed .Iaddend.for changing the sequence of said coded
output signals; and
b. signal receiving means operatively associated with said signal
transmitting means for sequentially receiving only said plurality
of coded output signals produced by said signal transmitting means
and including .Iadd.
(1) .Iaddend.a plurality of signal receiving elements, each signal
receiving element operable for receiving one of said plurality of
coded output signals and wherein said signal receiving elements are
selectively .[.programmable.]. .Iadd.reprogrammable to respond to
.Iaddend..[.so that said signal receiving elements can be altered
in response to changing of said.]. .Iadd.a programmed sequence
.Iaddend.coded output signal .Iadd.of said transmitter,
.Iaddend.and .Iadd.
(2) .Iaddend.means for producing an actuator signal in response to
and only when a complete reception of said coded signals are
received .Iadd.from said transmitter .Iaddend.in a programmed
sequential manner.
2. An electronic control actuating system as defined in claim 1
further characterized in that said signal receiving means includes
a plurality of self-contained filter circuits, each filter circuit
being operable for receiving one of said coded radio frequency
output signals produced by said signal transmitting means, and
wherein said signal receiving means includes a plurality of
sequentially operable switching means capable of producing an
actuator signal when sequentially operated, and wherein said
self-contained filter circuits are adapted to be selectively
positioned relative to said sequentially operable switching means
for effecting operation of said switching means in response to
sequentially receiving said plurality of coded sequentially
produced radio frequency output signals produced by said signal
transmitting means. .Iadd. 3. An electronic actuated lock,
comprising:
a portable transmitter having an energy source therein, the
transmitter having a plurality of oscillator positions;
a plurality of self-contained oscillator circuits each providing,
when energized, a different selected frequency output, each
oscillator circuit being connectable into a said oscillator
position;
means in said transmitter for sequentially energizing said
oscillator circuits, each oscillator circuit being energized for a
preselected time for providing an output signal, the transmitter
output thereby being in the form of a series of different signals,
the sequence of signals being selectable by positioning of said
oscillator circuits;
a lock operable when electrically energized;
a receiver having a plurality of receiver output positions and
having a receiver relay connected to each of said positions;
a plurality of self-contained receiver circuits, each receiver
circuit being responsive to the output frequency of one of said
oscillator circuits, each receiver circuit being connectable into a
receiver position;
circuit means connecting said receiver relays in series arrangement
whereby the actuation of said receiver relays in series connects
said voltage source to said lock to operate the same, whereby said
lock is operated only when said oscillator circuit positions and
said receiver circuit positions are preselectedly arranged in a
corresponding sequence. .Iaddend.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is for a re-issue of our Patent No. 3,794,848,
issued Feb. 26, 1974, and entitled "Locking Apparatus".
.Iaddend.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an electronic lock actuating means and is
more particularly concerned with a locking means capable of being
operated in response to receiving coded radio frequency
signals.
Our .[.expending.]. .Iadd.expanding .Iaddend.population and
increasing crime necessitates the need for a fool-proof secure
locking system.
In the past, most of our locking systems included a locking element
selectively movable between a locking and unlocking position by a
key. The problem with utilizing a key for operating a lock is that
the lock is easily operated by a master key, a copy of the original
key, operated by feeler gauging means, or present state of art,
electrically actuated locks wherein present surveillance techniques
exist to render them unsecure lock systems.
There have been a number of attempts to provide an electronically
operable locking means operable in response to receiving an
electronic actuator signal. The actuator signal is normally
produced by the correct operation of a number of electronic signal
actuator elements associated with the locking system. One problem
with this type of electronically operable locking means is that the
electronic structure and actuating mechanism utilized is often
complex, expensive to manufacture and unreliable in
performance.
Another problem with the prior art electronically operable locking
system was that the system could not be readily programmed to vary
the signals required to effect operation of the lock without the
service of a skilled electronic technician.
Further, the prior art electronic lock control actuating system
does not lend itself to being microminiaturized for lowering the
cost and improving the reliability of the locking system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above disadvantages have been overcome by the present invention
which basically includes an electronic lock control actuating means
operable in response to receiving an actuator signal produced by a
signal receiving means. The signal receiving means includes a
plurality of self-contained filter circuits, with each filter
circuit designed for only receiving one input signal, and wherein
the self-contained filter circuits are adapted to be selectively
positioned relative to a sequentially operable switching means such
that the switching means would be operated in response to a signal
produced in a sequential order by each of the filter circuits. The
electronic control actuating system includes a signal transmitter
or injector means having a plurality of self-contained independent
oscillator circuits, with each oscillator circuit capable of
producing a coded radio frequency output signal, and wherein the
self-contained oscillator circuits are adapted to be selectively
positioned relative to a sequentially operable switching means
whereby energy can be sequentially transferred to the plurality of
oscillating circuits for sequentially producing a plurality of
coded radio frequency output signals to be received by the
plurality of filter circuits to effect operation of the lock
control actuating means.
One important feature of the present invention is that the
self-contained independent oscillating circuits and the
self-contained independent filter circuits can be selectively
positioned relative to each other and relative to its associated
sequentially operable switching means for varying the program of
coded signals utilized in the electronic control actuating system,
with only the correct sequential operation of signals developed by
the oscillating circuits being received by the filter circuits for
rendering the unlocking apparatus operable.
Another feature of the present invention is that the electrically
movable locking element associated with the locking system includes
a time control reset means for returning the locking element to an
extended locking position after a predetermined period of time in
response to operation of the reset means and includes selectively
conditionable switch means for automatically moving the locking
element to an extended locking position in response to the door
being closed.
It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to
provide a programmable tone sensitive lock actuating system.
A further object of the present invention is to provide .[.and.].
.Iadd.an .Iaddend.electronic lock control actuating system which
lends itself to micro-miniaturization.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide an
electronic lock control actuating system which is simple in
construction and use, economical to manufacture and reliable in
performance.
These and other objects and advantages of the details of
construction will become apparent after reading the following
description of the illustrative embodiment, with reference to the
attached drawings wherein like reference numerals have been used to
refer to like parts throughout the several figures, and
wherein:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the components of
an electronic control actuating system embodying the principles of
the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an electrical schematic diagram of a tone injector or
transmitter utilized in the present invention;
FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic diagram of the filter circuits
and sequentially reversible operable switching relay; and
FIG. 4 is an electrical schematic diagram showing the actuating
circuit used for effecting movement of the locking element between
locked and unlocked positions.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawing, an electronic control locking system
embodying the principles of the present invention is shown in block
diagram of FIG. 1 and generally represented by the reference
numeral 10. The electronic control locking system will be described
with reference to a signal transmitting or injector means 20, a
signal receiving means 100 and an electronic control locking
apparatus 200.
SIGNAL TRANSMITTING MEANS
As shown in FIG. 2, the signal transmitting means includes a
plurality of self-contained oscillator circuits 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,
and 26. Each of the oscillator circuits is constructed or packaged
as a self-contained unit having four releasable connector elements
31, 32, 33 and 34. The connector elements 30-34 are adapted to be
releasably connected to complementary elements provided on the
transmitting device so that the oscillator circuits can be
independently removed and the position thereof changed relative to
each other such that the sequence of the signal produced by the
oscillator circuits can be programmed. Each oscillator circuit is
designed to produce a different radio output frequency and includes
a transistor 35, transformer 36 and capacitor 37. The capacitor 37
in each of the oscillator circuits is of a different capacity which
will operate to produce a different frequency radio signal output
from each filter circuit.
As shown in FIG. 2, the signal transmitting means 20 includes a
plurality of connector means 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46. Each of the
connector means 41-46 includes four releasable connector elements
51, 52, 53 and 54. The releasable connector elements 51-54 are
complementary to the oscillator circuit connector elements 31-34
and are adapted to readily receive the oscillator connector
elements in electrical conducting relation when inserted therein.
The releasable connector elements 51 and 53 are connected to a
common ground line 55. Releasable connector elements 54 of each of
the oscillator circuits is connected by a common output supply line
56 to the signal transmitter injector probe 57.
As shown in FIG. 2, the signal transmitting means includes a
plurality of selectively operable switching elements 61, 62, 63,
64, 65 and 66. The switching elements 61-66 are operatively
associated with the connector means 41-46, respectively. Power is
supplied from a battery 67 through a common power supply line 68 to
each of the switch elements 61-66. The switch elements 61-66 are a
double pole switch with one pole of the switch element adapted to
electrically connect power supply line 68 and with branch lines
61a, 62a, 63a, 64a, 65a and 66a, respectively, connected to the
output supply line 56. The other pole of the double pole switch
elements 61-66 are adapted to be electrically connected to
connector lines 61b, 62b, 63b, 64b, 65b and 66b, respectively. An
opposite end of connector lines 61b-66b are connected to the
connector elements 52 in each of the connector means 41-46,
respectively.
As shown in FIG. 2, the sequential operation of switches 61-66 is
effected by a rotatable actuator drum 70. Rotatable actuator drum
70 is provided with a plurality of camming elements 72, one
operatively associated with each of the switch elements 61-66. The
camming elements 72 are helically arranged around drum 70 whereby
rotation of drum 70 will effect a sequential operation of switches
61-66. Drum 70 is rotatable supported by a pair of support elements
73 and 74. Drum 70 is rotated by an elongated support shaft 75
having an extended key actuating means 76 located externally of the
transmitting housing 78. Shaft 75 is spring urged outwardly by a
compression spring 79 supported between housing structure 80 and
tabs 81 formed on shaft 75. As shown in FIG. 2, shaft 75 includes a
spiral groove 82 extending through drum 70. Drum 70 is provided
with an inwardly directed projection (not shown) which is
complementary to and engages groove 82. A downward depression of
key means 76 will effect a one cycle rotation of drum 70 and when
the key means 76 is released, compression spring 79 will return the
key and shaft outwardly to rotate the actuator drum one revolution
in an opposite direction. In operation, when the key operated means
76 is depressed, drum 70 will rotate causing the camming element 72
to effect a sequential closing of switches 61-66. When switches
61-66 are closed, power from battery 67 will be supplied through
power supply line 68 through the respective switch elements 61-66
and through connector lines 61a, 61b, respectively, to the
associated oscillator circuits 21-26. When a power pulse is
transmitted to the oscillator circuits 21-26, a radio frequency
output signal will be produced and conducted through releasable
connector elements 34, 54 which is transmitted along output supply
lines 56 and out through the probe 57.
It is apparent that the oscillator circuits 21-26 can be removed
and the arrangement of the oscillator circuits relative to the
switching elements 61-66 can be varied to change the program or
sequence of signals produced by the oscillator circuits.
SIGNAL RECEIVING MEANS
As shown in FIG. 3, the signal receiving means includes a plurality
of receiving elements 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 and 106. Each of the
receiving elements includes a filter circuit constructed in a
self-contained package means and is provided with a plurality of
releasable connector elements 112, 113, 114, 115 and 116. Since
each of the filter circuits 101-106 are identical in construction
with only the size of the resistors and capacity of the capacitors
being changed, only the details of filter circuit 101 is
illustrated. Each of connector elements 112-116 are connected
through respective connector lines 112L, 113L, 114L, 115L and 116L.
The connector lines 112L-116L are operatively connected to a pair
of transistors 120, 121 and to a toned resonant frequency reed
relay 125. Each circuit includes a plurality of resistors generally
represented by the reference numeral 126 and a plurality of
capacitors represented by the reference numeral 127. Each filter
circuit is designed to receive and be operated by only one radio
tone frequency and when that tone frequency is received, the
circuit is operable to develop an output signal through line 114L
for operating a sequential latching relay system to be described
below.
As shown in FIG. 3, the signal receiving means includes a plurality
of connector means 141, 142, 143, 144, 145 and 146. Each of the
connector means 141-146 includes a plurality of releasable
connector elements 152, 153, 154, 155 and 156. The releasable
connector elements 152-156 are complementary to releasable
connector elements 112-116 and are adapted to be interconnected
therewith in an assembled relationship whereby electrical current
can flow through the connector elements.
The releasable connector elements 153 and 155 are connected by
lines 153L, 155L, respectively, to a common ground line 157.
Releasable connector element 152 is connected by a line 152b to a
copper bus bar 160. The copper bus bar 160 serves as an antenna to
receive signals transmitted from the transmitter 20 and the signals
are transmitted through connecting lines 152b to the releasable
connector elements 152 for transmitting the signal into the filter
circuits 101-106. Each of the connector elements 156 is connected
by branch line 156L to a common power supply line 158.
As shown in FIG. 3, the signal receiving means includes a plurality
of relay elements 171, 172, 173, 174, 175 and 176. Each relay
element 171-176 is operatively associated with a switch 171a-176a,
respectively. Each of the relay elements 171-176 are connected by
branch connecting lines 171b-176b, respectively, to the common
ground line 157. An input pulse is transmitted to relay 171 through
a branch connecting line 154L. Branch connecting line 154L is
operatively connected through releasable connector elements 114 and
154 to the power output line 114L of filter circuit 101. The power
output lines 114L associated with filter circuits 102-106 are
connected through branch connecting lines 154L to switch terminals
171c, 172c, 173c, 174c, 175c and 176c. When a power pulse is
transmitted from filter 101, relay 171 will be energized thereby
closing switch element 171a. When switch element 171a is closed, a
power pulse received from filter 102 will be transmitted through
the terminal 171c and switch 171a to relay 172, thereby energizing
relay 172. When relay 172 is energized, a power pulse transmitted
from filter circuit 103 will be transmitted through switch terminal
172c, switch 172a to relay 173 thereby energizing relay 173. When
relay 173 is energized, a power pulse transmitted from filter
circuit 104 will be transmitted through terminal 173c, switch 173a
to relay 174 to thereby energize relay 174. When relay 174 is
energized, a power pulse transmitted from filter circuit 105 will
be transmitted through terminal 174c, switch 174a to energize relay
175. When relay 175 is energized, a power output signal from filter
circuit 106 will be transmitted through terminal 175c, switch 175a
to energize relay 176.
Switching terminal 176c operatively associated with switch 176a is
operatively connected by a connecting line 176e to the power supply
line 158. Therefore, when the relays 171-176 are closed in sequence
as described above, a pulse will be transmitted through power
supply line 158, branch connecting line 176e, terminal 176c, switch
element 176a and out through an output line 176d. As shown in FIG.
3, the common ground line 157 is connected to a releasable
connector element 181, power supply line 158 is connected to a
releasable connector element 182 and signal output line 176d is
connected to a releasable connector element 183.
In operation, the filter circuits 101-106 are programmed in
connected relationsip relative to the switching relay elements
171-176 such that the sequential signals transmitted from the
signal transmitter will effect a sequential closing of switches
171a-176a as described above. When the switches are sequentially
closed by receiving a correct sequence of tones transmitted from
the transmitter 20, switch 176a will close thereby conducting an
actuator signal out through line 176d and releasable connector
element 183. The copper bus bar 160 is common to each of the filter
circuits and will serve as an antenna to pick up the tone
transmitted from the transmitter and for transmitting the tone
through branch connecting lines 152L for input into the filter
circuits 101-106.
ELECTRONIC CONTROL LOCKING APPARATUS
The signal receiving releasable connector elements 181-183 are
adapted to be releasable connected with complementary connector
elements 201, 202, 203, respectively provided on the electronic
control locking apparatus 200, as shown in FIG. 4. Releasable
connector element 201 is connected to a common ground line 204.
Releasable connector element 202 is connected by line 205 to the
positive terminal of a battery supply means 210. Releasable
connector element 203 is connected by a signal transmitting line
211 to a transistorized amplifying circuit means 212. The
transistorized amplifying circuit includes a diode 213, transistor
214, transistor 215 and capacitor 216. The transistorized circuit
212 is connected by a signal supply line 217 to a relay 218. Relay
218 is connected by line 219 to the positive terminal of battery
210. An output from the transistorized circuit 212 is connected by
line 220 to the line 204. Relay 218 is operable when energized for
closing switch 225.
As shown in FIG. 4, the locking apparatus includes a dead bolt
locking element 226 which is slidably supported by a double-coil
polarized solenoid 230. Solenoid 230 includes first and second
coils 231, 232. Coil 231 is connected by line 233 through switch
means 225 to the power supply line 219. Coil 232 is connected by
connecting line 234 to the common ground line 204. An actuator
signal from signal receiving means 100 is transmitted through the
transistorized circuit 212 and amplified to effect energization of
relay 218 to close switch 225 thereby allowing power to be
conducted through coil 231. When coil 231 is energized, the dead
bolt latch 226 will be retracted to an unlocked position, as shown
in dash line of FIG. 4.
The second coil 232 of the double coil solenoid 230 is operable for
returning the dead bolt latch outwardly to a locked position and is
operatively connected through a timing reset switch 235 to the
positive power line 219. Coil 232 is connected by line 236 to the
common ground line 204. Switch 235 is time controlled and is
operable when manually moved to a closed position for closing and
conducting a current to solenoid 232 after being closed for a
predetermined period of time, which time would be sufficient to
permit an individual located within the house to press the reset
switch 235, move to a location outside of the house and pull the
door to a closed position, after which the timing switch would
operate to energize solenoid 232 for moving dead bolt latch 226
outwardly to a locked position.
A by-pass switch 235a is connected around timing reset switch 235
so that solenoid 232 can be immediately energized for moving the
locking element to an extended locked position.
Additional by-pass switch means (not shown) could be operatively
associated with the door so that the locking element would be
immediately moved to the locking position in response to closing
the door.
OPERATION
In utilizing the electronic control locking apparatus of the
present invention, the oscillator circuits 21-26 and filter
circuits 101-106 are programmed so that the sequence of tone
signals generated by the oscillating circuits 21-26 will be
sequentially received in order by the filter circuits 101-106. With
a person located externally of a house, the signal transmitter is
operated to permit a sequence of tone signals to effect operation
of the lock by depressing the key means 76, thereby rotating
actuator drum 70. When actuator drum 70 is rotated, switches 61-66
will be sequentially closed, thereby sequentially transmitting
power pulses to each of the oscillator circuits 21-26. As each of
the oscillator circuits 21-26 receives a power pulse, the power
pulse will develop an output radio frequency tone signal which is
transmitted through line 56 and out through transmitting probe 57.
The sequential tone signals transmitted through tone probe 57 will
then be sequentially picked up by the common bus bar antenna 160,
with the signals being transmitted sequentially to the respective
filter elements 101-106. As the filter elements 101-106
sequentially receive the generated tones, an output signal will be
supplied from each of the filter circuits through branch connecting
lines 154L to the switching relay means 171-176 to effect a
sequential closing of switches 171a-176a. After a sequential
closing of switches 171a-176a, an actuator pulse is then
transferred from the power supply line 158 through switch 176a and
out through signal actuator line 176d. The pulse transmitted
through signal actuator line 176d will then be transferred through
line 211 of the locking apparatus and into the transistorized
circuit 212. The signal will be amplified in the transistorized
circuit 212 and will effect operation of relay 218. When relay 218
is energized to close switch 225, a pulse will be transmitted
through coil 231 to cause the dead bolt latch to be withdrawn to a
retracted, unlocked position, thus permitting the door or other
associated structure to be readily opened. When it is desired to
move the dead bolt latch 226 to an extended locking position, the
manually controlled reset timing switch 235 is operated and a
predetermined period of time after switch 235 is operated, a reset
pulse will be transmitted to coil 232 to cause the latching element
to be moved outwardy to an extended locked position and/or for
instant locking operation to by-pass the time delay switch 235 or
235a or by a door operated by-pass switch.
It is apparent that a number of solid state circuit systems and/or
integrated circuit systems can be substituted for the above
described oscillator filter circuits and can be operated
sequentially in a manner as described above to effect a locking and
unlocking operation of an electronic controlled locking
apparatus.
It now becomes apparent that the above described illustrative
embodiment of an electronic control locking apparatus is capable of
obtaining the above stated objects and advantages. It is obvious
that those skilled in the art may make modification in the details
of construction without departing from the spirit of the invention
which is to be limited only by the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *