Patent ID: 6297725
Filing Date: 2001-10-02
Classification: E05B,G07C,Y10T

Abstract:
An electronic lock system, comprising:(a) key means for generating a signal;(b) receiver means for receiving said signal;(c) latching mechanism including a retractable latch moveable between an extended position to a retracted position;(d) an inner handle means for operating the latching mechanism;(e) an outer handle means for operating the latching mechanism;(f) a clutch mechanism for engaging and disengaging the outer handle means from the latching mechanism, the clutch mechanism being engaged and disengaged by longitudinal movement of a clutching member between an engaged position and a disengaged position, said engaged and disengaged positions being defined at predetermined longitudinal positions along the longitudinal axis of said clutching member;(g) processor means, cooperatively connected to said receiver means, for comparing said received signal with a stored reference signal, for generating an actuation signal if said received signal is determined to be equivalent to said reference signal; and(h) primary mover means, operatively connected to said processor means and including a shaft cooperatively rotatable connected to said clutching member, for longitudinally moving said clutching member along said axis in response to said actuation signal, whereby only the longitudinal movement of said clutching member is utilized to engage and disengage said outer handle means and said latching mechanism.