Patent ID: 7007526
Filing Date: 2006-03-07
Classification: E05B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An electronic clutch assembly for a lock system, the lock system having a latch and first and second rotatable spindles, one of the two spindles being operatively connected with the latch to displace the latch between first and second latch positions, the clutch assembly comprising: a clutch coupled with the first spindle and having a connective portion engageable with the second spindle, the clutch being linearly displaceable along a first axis between a first position in which the connective portion is nonengaged with the second spindle and a second position in which the connective portion is engaged with the second spindle; a biasing member operatively connected with the clutch and configured to displace the clutch from the second clutch position and toward the first clutch position; a cam displaceable generally along a second axis, the second axis extending generally perpendicularly with respect to the first axis, and configured to linearly displace the clutch between the first and second clutch positions; and an electric actuator operatively connected with the cam and configured to linearly displace the cam along the second axis such that the clutch alternatively couples the second spindle with the first spindle and uncouples the second spindle from the first spindle.