Electronic barrel lock and key system

An electronic barrel lock and key system that functions in combination with a computer that codes an electronic master key, or an electronic standard key, or an electronic programming module and includes an electronic lock having a lock security device. The master key has no restrictions, based on how it is programmed, therefore it can open any of the locks. The standard key includes restrictions that precludes the key from opening the lock. The programming module cannot open a lock it is only used to program or reprogram a lock. The lock security device is utilized to prevent a person from opening the lock by applying a high temperature to the lock. The security device utilizes a low-melt alloy that is isolated from the electronic elements located within the lock. When the low-melt alloy melts it causes the lock to be placed in a permanent locked state. The system also has a non-rotating non-keyed interface between the key and the lock.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention generally pertains to electronically operated locks, and more particularly to an electronic barrel lock and key system (system) that utilizes a coded electrical signal from the key to open the lock.

BACKGROUND ART

Electronic locks operate by means of electric current that is typically supplied by a lock-internal battery. The battery is activated when a key is inserted into the lock's keyway or by a code that is entered into a lock-attached keypad. In either design, keys can be added and removed without re-keying the lock cylinder. The locks unlocking mechanism can be designed to utilize a magnetic force, a solenoid or a motor to activate the lock by either supplying or removing the electrical current. The prior art electronic locks have inherent problems that include: complexity, large dimensions, maintenance and reliability.

The problems with the prior art electronic locks are solved by the instant invention by utilizing an electronic lock having a flush face with no keyway, no internal power source and that is impervious to moisture, dust, dirt and debris. The inventive electronic lock lies dormant and can only be activated when a registered electronic communication device makes contact with the lock.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any literature or patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. However, the following U.S. patents are considered related:

The U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,122 patent discloses in a first design, an electronic lock having interchangeable core locks. The core lock has a solenoid assembly that is longitudinally aligned parallel to the rotational axis of the cylinder lock. In a second design an electronic lock has a ferromagnetic enclosure that surrounds at least a portion of a solenoid assembly when the cylinder of the lock is free to rotate.

The U.S. Pat. No. 7,690,231 patent discloses an electromechanical cylinder lock that includes an outer lock shell and a rotatable lock barrel which is controlled by dual locking features. A side bar selectively locks and permits rotation of the barrel in response to insertion of a key into a keyway in the barrel. A slider bar is movable between a blocking position in which the side bar is prevented from permitting rotation of the barrel, and an unblocking position in which the side bar permits rotation of the barrel.

The U.S. 2009/0013736 publication discloses an electronic lock having a body, a barrel having a slot, a pin disposed in the slot, a blocking member disposed in the body to prevent movement of the pin, and an electro-mechanical device. Activation of the elector-mechanical device causes the blocking member to be moved clear of the pin and movement of the barrel causes the pin to be moved out of the slot.

For background purposes and indicative of the art to which the invention relates, reference may be made to the following remaining patents found in the patent search.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The electronic barrel-lock and key system (system) is designed to provide a tamperproof electronic lock that is opened by an electronic communication device. The system is comprised of an electronic master key, an electronic standard key and an electronic programming module that interfaces with an electronic barrel lock.

The master key which can have restrictions can open any of the system's electronic locks. The standard key can also be restricted to open for a set number of days.

The programming module cannot open a lock, it is designed to only program or reprogram a lock. The programming module is programmed by connecting the module to a computer. The program in the computer is then down loaded to an electronic circuit located inside the programming module. The output of the programmed module connects to the lock with a single wire that is attached to a non-keyed plate that interfaces with a non-keyed plate on the lock. The programming module is a self-contained hand-held device which can be disconnected from the computer and carried to a remote location where a lock can be programmed or reprogrammed. The computer is comprised of a standard computer that operates with a proprietary software that is designed to program or reprogram the two keys and the programming module

A unique feature of the system is that both the key and the lock codes can be changed periodically and the key can be rendered inoperative after a given time frame loaded by the program. Additionally, the key can also be programmed to work for a set number of days.

Another unique feature of the system is that both the electronic lock and the electronic communication devices use a single contact that interfaces with a non-rotating non-keyed interface on the electronic lock. Both power and signal are sent over the single contact. Other electronic locks on the market use three or more contacts in the connector. Power and signal are sent over separate lines and use multiple pin contacts to achieve this. Having a single contact to transfer both power and signal makes the connector more reliable.

The electronic lock comprises an elongated body having an outer surface, a first end and a second end, with a lock head attached to the first end, and at least one ball located within an opening located adjacent to the body's second end. Located within the body are functional elements including a printed circuit board, a power wire, a memory wire, bobbins, a spring, a steel ring, a low-melt alloy and a wire anchor.

The memory wire is designed to shrink when external heat is applied to the lock. In order to provide security to prevent external heat being applied to open the lock, the low-melt alloy, which is located within the lock's body, is utilized. The alloy is designed to melt at a lower temperature than it would take to cause the memory wire to shrink from the external heat source.

In the event that the low melt alloy does melt, the lock becomes totally disabled. The lock would have to be cut off to remove it. This would also make it obvious that someone was tampering with the lock providing a good reason to increase security.

The lock functions as follows: when a key is connected to the lock both power and data is sent from the key to the lock. Both pass the power and data through a reverse polarity protection circuit and an overvoltage protection circuit and out to the remaining circuit elements.

The power and data from the key is applied to a voltage regulator, a data out circuit and to a microcontroller. When the microcontroller receives power from the key it goes through a power start-up program, which resets the microcontroller and starts the program. First it reads the data from the data-in circuit and compares the incoming code with the code stored in the microcontroller memory. If the key code coming in matches the lock code in memory and meets any other programmed criteria the microcontroller:

1. sends a signal back to the key via the data-out circuit and to a microcontroller located in the key. The microcontroller in the key then flashes a green LED to let the user know that the codes match and the lock is open.

2. outputs a signal to an electronic switch that allows current to pass through the power wire which causes the memory wire to heat and shrink, thereby allowing the lock to open.

If the key code applied to the lock does not match, the following occurs:

1. the electronic switch is not activated preventing the lock from opening, and

2. the microcontroller then sends a signal back to the key through the data-out circuit and back to the key. This code is read by the microcontroller in the key causing a red LED in the key to flash indicating that the codes do not match and the lock will not open.

Under normal operating conditions power to the key circuit is supplied by a battery. However, during the programming process, when the key is connected to the computer, power is supplied to the key and the battery is disconnected electronically by the normally closed (NC) electronic switch. Under normal operating conditions the NC switch allows power from the battery to pass through the switch to an output line.

When programming the key, a connector is applied to the NC switch. This opens the switch and disconnects the battery from the circuit. Power for the circuit is now routed to the input of a voltage regulator. The output of the voltage regulator is applied to the microcontroller, a real time clock and to a fuel gauge.

A fuel gauge monitors the clock battery. When the battery runs down, the fuel gauge sends a signal to the microcontroller, which alerts the microcontroller that the battery is getting weak. The microcontroller then sends a signal out to either or both an audio alarm and to a LED, and alerts the user that the lock battery is weak and needs to be replaced or recharged. The battery voltage travels through the reverse battery protection circuit through the switch and to the power control switch.

In view of the above disclosure, the primary object of the invention is to provide an electronic barrel lock and key system that utilizes a coded electrical signal that passes through a concentric non-rotating non-keyed interface between the key and the lock.

In addition to the primary object of the invention it is also an object of the invention to provide an electronic barrel lock and key system that:

has no key slot and therefore cannot be picked,

can withstand salt air or salt water exposure,

cannot be opened when exposed to a magnetic force,

is durable and can withstand abuse,

can be utilized for a variety of lock structures including a ring lock, a padlock, a cabinet, a file cabinet or a display case,

has a built-in security feature that places the lock in a permanently locked state when an attempt to open the lock by applying high temperature, and

is cost effective from both a manufacturer's and consumer's point of view.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms that disclose a preferred embodiment of an electronic barrel lock and key system (system)10that is designed to produce a reliable and tamper-proof electronic lock and key system. The system10, as shown inFIGS. 1-11, is comprised of the following major elements: a computer200that operates in combination with an electronic communication device that functions as a master key12, or a standard key14or a programming module16. The two keys12,14and the programming module16, utilize the same electronic circuit, only the software programming is different.

The computer200utilizes a proprietary software202that includes an encrypted code that allows the system10to be operated by means of the electronic communication devices and programming module. The software program202is further comprised of a first program that operates the electronic communication device12, the standard key14, and a second program that operates the programming module16. Additionally, each program has a unique graphic user interface (GUI).

The electronic programming module16, as shown inFIGS. 1-3, can program or reprogram a lock. The electronic programming module16eliminates the need to bring a lock back to where the computer is located to be programmed or reprogrammed.

The master key12, the standard key14, and the programming module16can utilize a common structural design28, as shown inFIGS. 1, 2, and 3, that is comprised of a lower section22, a central frame40and an upper section62. If desired, the two keys and the electronic programming module can utilize alternate structural designs.

The lower section22has an upper surface24and a lower surface26with the upper surface24having a front cavity30that has attached a printed circuit board (PCB)32. The PCB includes the elements that comprise the key and module electronic circuit18. The upper surface24further has a battery containment cavity34. The central frame40has a rear battery gripping structure that grips a battery B1. The frame40also has a front section46that clamps onto a spring-biased single pin rod48that extends outward and that interfaces with a collet assembly50, as shown inFIGS. 9 and 10. The collet assembly50is utilized for maintaining and extracting the barrel lock. The upper section62has an upper surface64and a lower surface68. Extending from the upper surface64is a power control switch P1that when closed the d-c power from the battery B1is applied through the key and into the lock66, as shown inFIG. 7. The lower surface68of the upper section62is attached to the upper surface24of the lower section22by means of screws, as shown inFIG. 3.

The two electronic communication devices12and the programming module16utilize a common electronic circuit18, as shown inFIG. 4. The circuit18is comprised of a microcontroller U1having the following connections: D1, BDB, P, VDD,9A and1-7. Connected to the input D1is an output01provided by a USB interface connector USB1which has an input connected to a USB port located on the computer200, and an output Vbuss.

The electronic circuit18, as shown inFIG. 4, is also comprised of the following additional elements: an EEPROM E1, a real time clock (RTC), an RTC fuel gauge, an audio alarm F2, a bi-color LED LD1, a momentary switch S1, the battery B1, a power control switch P1, a normally closed NC electronic switch S1, a voltage regulator Vr, an over current protection circuit OP, a data-out circuit DO and a data-in circuit D1.

The EEPROM E1is connected to an input/output BDB on the microcontroller U1.

The real time clock RTC R1has an input I1connected to a clock battery B2and to VDD on the microcontroller U1, and an output01connected to9A on the microcontroller U1,

The RTC fuel gauge FG has an input connected to VDD on the microcontroller U1and an output01connected to7on the microcontroller U1. The audio alarm AA has an input I1applied from6on the microcontroller U1.

The bi-color LED LD1has an input I1connected to pin5on the microcontroller U1. The momentary switch S1has an output01applied to4on the microcontroller U1.

The battery B1has a positive output + connected to the input I1of a reverse battery protection circuit RV1having an output V1connected to the power control switch P1and to a normally closed NC electronic switch S1connected to the voltage regulator Vr.

The power control switch P1has an input V1that is applied from the reverse battery protector RV1and an output V3. The NC electronic switch S1also has an input A1applied from the USB interface connector USB1, an input V1applied from the reverse battery protection circuit RV1, and an output V2,

The voltage regulator Vr has an input V2applied from the NC electronic switch S1, and an output01connected to VDD and to P on the microcontroller U1. The overcurrent protection circuit OP has an input V3and an output DO, wherein the input is applied the signal V3from the power control switch P1.

The lock electronic circuit19, as shown inFIG. 5, is comprised of the following major elements: a reverse polarity protection circuit RPP, an over voltage protection circuit OVP, a voltage regulator VR, a data-in circuit Din, a data-out circuit Dout, a microcontroller U2and an electronic switch S2.

The reverse polarity protection circuit RPP is applied the data-in signal A from the electronic communication device and produces an output signal01. The output signal01is applied to the over voltage protection circuit OVP which produces a signal C that is applied to H on the electronic switch S2and to the input V1on the voltage regulator Vr where the voltage is regulated to 3.9 volts d-c and applied as a signal VDD to the data-in circuit Din and to MP on the microcontroller U2. The microcontroller U2is also applied an input D from output01on the data-in circuit Din. The microcontroller U2also produces an output F that is applied to the electronic switch S2and an output E that is applied to the input I1on the data-out circuit Dout. The electronic switch S2has a connection G that is applied to circuit ground.

The electronic barrel lock66, as shown inFIGS. 6-8, is comprised of a mechanical structure comprising a hollow elongated cylindrical body70having an outer surface72, a first end74, preferably with an outward stepped threaded section76, and a second end78. Attached to the first end74is a lock head80having a first end84and a second end86, wherein located on the lock head's first end84is an indented non-rotating non-keyed interface88, and located within the lock head's second end86are threads90that allow the lock head80to be screwed onto the threaded section76on the body's first end. It should be noted that while the threaded section76is the preferred means of attaching the lock head of the body's first end, other attachment means can also be utilized. Located on the outer surface72adjacent to the body's second end78is at least one opening92with at least one ball94located therein. The openings and the balls are dimensioned to allow the balls94to be maintained securely within the openings92and a portion of the ball's radius to extend outward from the body's outer surface72. Located within the body70with the lock head attached, and extending sequentially, as best shown inFIG. 6, from the lock head's first end84to the body's second end86are:

c) at least one insulation clip100,

d) an electrical contact102that extends from the printed circuit board (PCB)104that is attached to a PCB support106, wherein attached to an extending from the PCB104is a power wire108,

e) a first bobbin112having a first end114and a second end116wherein the PCB support106is attached to the first bobbin's first end114,

f) a length of nickel titanium memory wire120having a first end122and a second end124, wherein the first end122is attached to the second end116of the first bobbin112,

h) a second bobbin128having a first end130and a second end132, wherein the second end124of the memory wire120is attached to the first end130of the second bobbin128, wherein the spring126is located between the first bobbin112and the second bobbin128, and the power wire108and memory wire120pass through the spring126,

i) a washer134that interfaces with the second end132of the second bobbin128,

j) a steel ring138having a first end140and a second end142wherein the first end interfaces with the washer134, wherein directly below the steel ring138is an inward-extending ledge144within the body70, wherein directly below the ledge144are the openings92and the balls94,

k) a low-melt alloy150having a first end152and a second end154, wherein the first end152is attached to the second end142of the steel ring138,

l) an insulated wire anchor156having a first end158and a second end160that is attached to the first end158of the anchor156, and located within the anchor, adjacent the second end160, is a metal insert162. The power wire108that is attached to the PCB104extends along elements f)-k), passes into the anchor156and is attached to the metal insert162which secures the power wire108and functions as a ground for the power wire108. When the lock66is in a locked state, the steel ring138applies pressure onto the at least one ball94, thereby causing the ball94to extend outward from the body's outer surface72. When the ball94is fully extended, a portion of the ball's radius that is extended is blocked by an internal member of a lock receiving strtucture, thereby precluding the lock66from being extracted. The barrel lock66is unlocked when one of the keys12,14interfaces with the lock's non-rotating non-keyed interface88, as shown inFIG. 1, wherein power which is applied from the keys12,14extends the length of the power wire108, thereby causing the wire108to heat. The heat causes the memory wire120to contract, which applies a contracting force onto the steel ring138, causing the steel ring138to move in the direction of the body's first end74and away from the internal ledge144and the balls94. Once the steel ring138has moved, the balls94have room to move inward so that the outer surface of each ball94is substantially flush with the outer surface72of the body70, thereby allowing the lock66to be extracted. Once the memory wire120cools and returns to the extended length, the spring126applies a force onto the steel ring138that causes the steel ring138to return to the position it maintains when the lock66is in the locked position, which also causes the balls94to extend outward, thereby placing the lock66in the locked state.

There is no power within the lock66, thereby allowing the lock66to remain in a dormant state until one of the keys12,14is activated. The activation occurs when the key12,14and the lock66interface, which allows power to pass from the key12,14to the PCB18located within the lock66. The key12,14also includes PCB32which is shown along with other internal elements inFIG. 3. The key12,14remains attached to the lock66but will not unlock the lock66until the key's power button P1is depressed. Once the power button P1is depressed, the lock66will unlock, as shown inFIG. 1. The lock66will remain attached to the key12,14until the key's release button38is pressed, at which time the key can be detached from the lock, as shown inFIG. 10.

As previously disclosed, the operation of the lock66results from the heating of the memory wire120. It is important to note that external heating of the lock66will not cause the memory wire120to contract.

The low-melt alloy150, as best shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, provides a security means for the barrel lock. When an attempt is made to open the lock66without a key12,14by applying heat to the outer surface72of the lock66, the low-melt alloy150will melt once a heat threshold at the alloy is reached. When the low-melt alloy150melts, tension is removed from the memory wire, thereby placing the lock66in a permanent locked state.

The benefits of the system10are that the number of moving parts are kept to a minimum, which reduces manufacturing costs and ensures that the reliability of the system10is high. The use of the system10is relatively simple as there is no orientation of the key12,14into a keyway as the system10key head and lock face are concentric; there is no keyway that can be blocked or utilized as a torque point to pry open the lock66, picked, or opened with a magnet. Additionally, there are more than four billion code combinations that can be programmed into the key12,14in order to open the lock66. The lock66is hermetically sealed which makes it impervious to dust, dirt or moisture. Additionally, the lock66is waterproof and will function after being submerged, even for extended periods of time, in both regular water or salt water.

The key12,14can also be programmed to open any number of locks, thereby allowing master keying. if necessary, the lock66can be re-programmed in the field. The key12,14can include a built-in timer so if an employee of a company were to steal or lose a key, any potential resulting problems would diminish, as the key would “time-out” and automatically turn off, thus rendering the key12,14useless until it is re-programmed. The system10can be used with a variety of lock receiving structures, including a ring lock210, as shown inFIG. 11; a padlock (not shown); a cabinet (not shown); a file cabinet (not shown) or a display case (not shown).

While the invention has been described in detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims.