ELECTRONIC LOCK WITH MANUAL COMBINATION OVERRIDE

Abstract: An electronic lock (20) with manual combination override (90) for opening of a lock by both an electronic (100) and manual (34, 90) means. The electronic lock (20) has a bolt (17) operating release mechanism (40) which operates to allow opening of the lock (20) by either the electronic or manual mode. The electronic and manual modes both operably open the lock through operation of the bolt operating release mechanism (40). The bolt operating release (40) is a multi-component assembly (42, 50, 60) operable as a unit or relative to each component dependent on the mode of operation. The electronic mode is operable by use of electronic components which include but are not limited to, pressure-sensitive switches (102), logic circuitry (106), and a circuit mounting board (103). An electronic combination is generated, retained and operable with the electronic components to open the lock.

Description: i ELECTRONIC LOCK WITH MANUAL COMBINATION OVERRIDE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to an electroni lock for use as a means for securing goods and area requiring a high degree of security. The introductio of electronics into the lock field has seen man improvements. The use of sophisticated electronic logi circuitry has enabled the implementations of a series o complex and unique electronic combinations which ha made tampering for improper entry into secured area more difficult. While electronic locks do provide fo improved security, they do present a number of uniqu problems. Electrical surges in the power line supplying powe to the electronic lock can damage the circuitry makin impossible the opening of the lock by the prope operator. The resultant cost to have the safe o secured area opened could be significant in light of th materials used for the enclosure and the difficulty i gaining entry by cutting through those materials. I addition, misfunction could also result from tampering or loss of power making opening of the lock impossible. One of the objects, therefore of the curren invention is to disclose and provide for an electroni lock which can be opened, despite an electronic catas trophe. Specifically, one object is to have th electronic lock have a manual combination override whic enables opening of the electronic lock by a strictl mechanical mechanism. A further object of the presen invention is to disclose and provide for a commo mechanism for opening the lock operable by either electronic mode or a manual combination overrid feature. Such a mechanism would enable the electroni lock of the present invention to minimize space an components, as well as have it utilized for application where either electronic or manual locks are now utilized to secure goods or an area. Still, another object of the .present invention is to disclose and provide for a conversion kit to convert current electronic locks and manual combination locks over to the multifunction electronic lock with manual combination override. The manual combination override would incorporate tumblers and gates in a design similar to that found in U.S. Patent No, 3,981,167. An object of the inventions using such a design is to provide for a mechanical means for opening an electronic lock. Of course, it is an object of the current invention to provide for a reliable lock with the sophistication of state of the art electronics with a manual override feature to ensure the ability of opening the lock 100% of the time, independent of environmental conditions. The present invention meets the previously stated objects and it also meets other objects, that, although not specifically listed as objects, are evident from the description herein. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The improvement of an electronic lock by means of the current invention will enable the manual opening of the lock through a manual combination override provi¬ sion. The electronic lock incorporating the current invention includes a dial operated plurality of tumbler wheels having gates to receive a fence member of a bolt operating release mechanism when the manual combination is dialed, an electronic means for generating a lock opening signal when a second combination is entered into said electronic means. The improvement comprises a bolt operating release mechanism. The bolt operating release mechanism has three components assembled as one unit which interacts with the .dial and tumblers above, and a dial operated cam. The bolt operating lever has a nose portion at one end that meshes with the cam and an opposite end pivotally attached to a lock bolt. There is a separate fence incorporated into a fence-spindle assembly mounted on the bolt operating lever. A control plate is trans¬ versely mounted to the fence and matingly mounted to the bolt operating lever. The fence-spindle assembly, bolt operating lever, and the control plate move as a unit when the lock is opened when the manual override provision is utilized. The bolt operating lever is released from the unitary movement with the control plate and said fence when the lock is opened using the electronic mode. The electronic mode comprises a series of pressure- sensitive switches which, when contacted by a push pin on the cam of the dial operated cam, causes an electri- cal contact. Subsequent and repetitive manipulations of the dial operated cam with axial displacement will generate a electronic signal to release the holding means, which holds the control plate in position with the bolt operating lever. The holding means for example could be a solenoid, but it is not limited to such. The input of the electronic combination as noted above, will have the bolt operating lever move to mesh with the cam disc. Upon subsequent rotation of the dial operated cam, the lock will open. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a plan view of a preferred exemplary embodiment of the electronic lock with manual combina¬ tion override in accordance with the current invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the bolt operating release mechanism and cam disc of Fig. 1. , Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken through plane III- III of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an exploded and partially in section view of the electronic bolt with manual combination override of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is an exploded and partially in section view of the exemplar of Fig. 1 rotationally adjusted thereto. Fig. 6 is an exploded and partially in section view of the exemplar of Fig. 1 subsequent to the generation of an opening electronic signal by the electronic means thereof. Fig. 7 is an exploded and partially in section view of the exemplar of Fig. 1 subsequent to the operation of the manual override feature thereof. Fig. 8 is a plan view of the electronic means of the exemplar of Fig. 1 in accordance with the invention for generation of an opening electronic.signal. Fig. 9 is a plain view of the opposite side of the electronic means of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a plan view of the combination adjust¬ ment key for the electronic means of the exemplar herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT Referring now to Fig. 1, the preferred exemplary embodiment of an electronic lock with a manual combina¬ tion override, according to the present invention, mounted to a wall 22 (as shown in Fig. 3) which is representative of the door of a safe or security room, or portions of a wall adjacent to such doors with the dial and dial associated mechanism on a forward side o a wall. Therein is the tumbler means, latch, releas lever and associated actuated means, as known in th art, located on an opposite interior side of the wal from the dial within a housing 24, as much more full explained hereinafter. Housing 24 of lock 20 als contains an electronic means for generating electroni signal that will open lock 20 by throwing bolt 27 fro recess 28 of wall 29. The invention as shown in Fig. shows a tumbler 91, a gate of tumbler 92, a means fo enabling a nose portion 46 to mesh with a cam opening 7 of cam 70 which will allow the lock to be opened b those formulas in the art for manual tumbler operabl combination locks. Bolt operating release mechanism 40, as shown i Fig. 2, is incorporated into the lock housing as show in Fig. 1. It is through the operation of the bol operating release mechanism 40 which enables the lock t be opened by an electronic means as well as a manua combination tumbler gate arrangement. Bolt operatin release mechanism 40, as shown in Fig. 2, will be dis cussed in more detail hereinafter. Fig. 3 shows the lock 20 attached to the inside o a wall or door 22. The dial 34 is attached to shaft 30 its length is from the dial through wall 22 into th area of the bolt operating release mechanism 40 wher the shaft 30 connects with a cam disc 70. The manipula tion of the dial 34, shaft 30, and bolt operatin mechanism 40 enables the operation of the lock in traditional manual mode, utilizing tumblers as indicate by 90, or by an electronic means as indicated b electronic means 100. The shaft 30 is biased outward b a biasing means shown as a spring disc 38. Shaft 30 ca move axially into lock 30 by overcoming bias spring 38 enabling push pin 75 to contact the electronic mean 100. Push pin 75 rotates through the axial motion o shaft 30 by means of cam disc 70 (shown more clearly in Fig. 1) . - Electronic means 100 can be powered by an exterior power source as indicated by power cord 150 or by means of a battery power means 122 which can be either a dry or wet cell, as shown in Fig. 3. Dial 34 mounts to a dial disc ring 36 which attaches to wall 22 by means of bolt 37. A faceplate 35 is mounted to the front of dial 34. Dial 34 has along its edges divisions and markings 33 for rotational positioning of said shaft 30 in order to operate the lock 20 in the electronic or manual mode. Fig. 4 shows a rearward cutout view into the housing 24 of lock 20 inside wall of a secured area or door of a safe. Cam 70 is rotated by dial 34 through its connection by shaft 30. Fig. 4 shows push pin 75 which contacts electronic means 100 (not shown, but see Fig. 3) . As dial 34 and shaft 30 are rotated, the nose portion 46 of the bolt operating release mechanism 40 rides along the circumference of cam disc 70. The bolt operating release mechanism 40 is a multi-component assembly as indicated in Fig. 2, including components 50, and 42, 60. During non-operation, the bolt operat¬ ing release mechanism 40 maintains a configuration as shown in Fig. 4 with the assistance of a solenoid holding means 80. During input of the combination into electronic means 100 and the proper rotation of dial 34 and shaft 30, nose portion 46 is contacted positionally by a raised portion 77 of cam disc 70 as shown in Fig. 5. Raised portion 77 positions a control plate 60 of the bolt operating release mechanism 40 for withdrawal of a solenoid armature 82 and its tab head 84 from control plate 60. Fig. 6 illustrates the nose portion 46 of the bol operating release mechanism 40 engaging cutout 72. Upo generation of an electronic signal which causes th withdrawing of said solenoid armature 82 and head ta 84, which enables said nose portion 46 to engage the ca disc 70, whereupon further rotation of dial 34 and shaf 30, bolt 27 will withdraw from its recess 28 in wall 2 opening lock 20. The lock 20 can be opened by use of the manual mod in the instance where the electronic combination is los or there is a loss of power to the electronic means 10 or a misfunction thereof. The operation of the manua mode is done with tumblers and gates in a manner know in the art for the manual operation of a combinatio lock. Fig. 7 shows the manipulation of shaft 30 an tumblers 90 so that a fence member 56 can enter gat opening area 94 to engage the gates and allow nos portion 46 to engage cam disc cutout 72. The tumbler 9 represents a plurality of parallel tumblers 90. Afte the fence member 56 engages gate opening area 94 subsequent rotation of the dial 34 will have lock bol 27 withdraw from its recess 28 within wall 29. Figs. 8, 9 and 10 illustrate the electronic mean 100 of lock 20, wherein a combination can be entere into by contact with the electronic means by push pin 7 contacting upon pressure sensitive switches 102 as show in Fig. 8. Numerous predetermined contacting o switches 102 generates an electronic signal, which a noted above, will cause withdrawal of a solenoi armature 82 and head tab 84 from control plate 60. Thi will enable the opening of lock 20. The electroni means 100 for generation of that signal will be dis cussed in more detail hereinafter. o o Now more particularly to Fig. 2, the bolt operating release mechanism 40 enables the electronic and manual operation of lock 20 through its multifunction capa¬ bility. Components of the bolt operating release mechanism 40, include: a control plate 60, a bolt operating lever 42 and a fence-spindle assembly 50. The components assemble together and can rotate as one unit during the manual operation of the lock as shown in Fig. 7. Bolt operating lever 42 has a pivotally connected end 44 which mounts to lock bolt 27, as shown in Fig. 1, by means of mounting bolt 49. At the opposite end of the pivotally attached end 44 is a free end with a cam following nose 46. At the pivotally attached end is a safety finger 43 which- prevents the over-rotation of the bolt operating lever during operation and opening of lock 20. As shown in Fig. 5, once the cam is rotated and the nose portion 46 contacts cam disc 70 , s raised section 77, the bolt operating lever 42 rotates in a clockwise manner and safety knob 43 prevents over- rotation and positions the bolt operating lever 42 in the correct position for insertion or withdrawal of the solenoid armature 82 and head tab 84. Additionally, at the pivotally attached end of bolt operating lever 42 is a mounting release knob 45 which prevent over-corquing of bolt 49 as it attaches bolt operating lever 42 to bolt 27 by insertion of bolt 49 through aperture 47. Cutout 48 provides for bolt operating release mechanism 40 rotation about the pivotally connected end 44 of bol operating lever 42 within housing 24. As shown in Fig. 5, a nose portion 46 contacts raised cam portion 77, whereupon cutout 48 along bolt operating lever 42 allow rotation of the whole mechanism 40, as well as the bol operating lever alone, without contacting the bushing 6 of housing 24. - The bolt operating release mechanism 40 is joine as a unit by means of a journalled spindle 54 of fence-spindle assembly 50, with a hex head end 55. Journalled spindle 54 connects the fence-spindl assembly 50 to the bolt operating lever 42 throug orifice 56. Hex head section 55 connects to contro plate 60 by means of hex orifice 62. Cam disc 70 is rotated about by shaft 30 an connected to it by opening 76 which slides on shaft 3 and where pins 79 (as shown in Fig. 1) are placed i cutouts 78 for attachment of the cam disc 70 to shaf 30. The solenoid 80 as shown in Fig. 1, mounts t mounting bracket 41 on bolt control lever 42. Th mounting nut 87 of solenoid 80, mounts the solenoid 80 to mounting bracket 41 for proper positioning along bol operating control lever 42 to ensure the proper inser- tion and withdrawal of solenoid armature 82 and head ta 84. Upon rotation of dial 34 as shown in Fig. 3, to position as marked by dial markings 33 on dial 34, whic also can be indicated on dial disc 36, the shaft 30 ca be axially displaced into lock 20 by applying pressur to the dial at faceplate 35 or by gripping around th dial 34 and pushing the dial 34 inward. The dial 34 ca be rotated to a position where its proper positionin will enable the push pin 75 connected to cam disc 70, t contact one of a plurality of circularly arrange pressure sensitive switches 102 on circuit componen mounting board 103 within the housing 24 of lock 20. The pressure sensitive switches 102, as shown i Fig. 8, are located within housing 24 in a positio parallel to cam disc 70 in which push pin 75 concentric¬ ally rotates about said circular pattern of pressure sensitive switches 102. Upon rotation of dial 34 and proper orientation and axial displacement, push pin 75 contacts one of a plurality of circularly arranged pressure sensitive switches 102, which generates an electrical signal for each contact. Upon multiple pre-determined positional contacting of the plurality circularly arranged pressure sensitive switches 102 by push pin 75, an electronic signal will be generated to a holding means as indicated here but not limited to a solenoid 80. The signal will cause the solenoid armature 82 and its head tab 84 to withdraw from control plate 60, allowing the meshing of nose portion 46 and cam disc 70. In order that there will be no isangular displace¬ ments of shaft 30, upon the circumferences of shaft 30 will be a series of gear teeth (not shown) which will have with it a matching, but perpendicular set of teeth mounted surroundably about shaft 30 and its associated teeth, within housing 24. (Not shown.) Upon the proper orientation of dial 34 to the correct marking via dial markings 33 or markings on dial disc ring 36, displace¬ ment of shaft 30 will put push pin 75 into contact with pressure sensitive switches 102. This will be done at one of those predetermined orientations which will matc up with the appropriate pressure sensitive switches. The teeth would match up so that the teeth perpendicula to those on the shaft would match up at a specifi orientation and upon displacement of shaft 30, push pi 75 would contact the appropriate pressure-sensitiv switch 102. The electronic operation of lock 20, through th means noted above will cause the withdrawal a solenoi II armature 82 and its associated head tab 84 from control plate 60 as shown in Fig. 4, which will caus the-opening of lock 20. The control plate 60 rotates with the pivotall attached bolt operating lever 42 in a clockwise fashio during rotation of dial 34. In addition, control plat 60 can also rotate in a clockwise fashion aroun journalled spindle 54 when the solenoid 80 is activated Control plate 60 will rotate counter-clockwise abou journalled spindle 54 when lock 20 is closed afte opening. Torque spring 59, as shown in Fig. 5, enables th control plate 60 to maintain its position relative t the bolt operating lever 42 and rotate about hex hea portion 55. The electronic signal generated as note above, will allow the solenoid armature 82 to withdra from lock slot platform 65 and its associated lock slo 66 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. Lock slot platform 65 ha in it a large lock slot opening 66 and a smaller slo 68, adjacent to lock slot 66. Insertion of head tab 8 and armature 82 into the lock slot platform 65 whe control plate 60 is the position as shown in Fig. 5, will occur because there is no interfering section t prevent its insertion or withdrawal. Upon rotation o shaft 30 and when cam nose 46 is not in contact wit raised cam section 77, the armature head tab 84 is i intimate contact with adjacent slot 68. The positionin within smaller slot 68 prevents the withdrawal o solenoid armature 82 and its associated head tab 84 upo the generation of a signal to the solenoid 80. Als note that this feature, holding head tab 84 in slot 6 will also prevent unnecessary movement due to vibration of lock 20. \ 2 The generation of the electronic signal to withdraw said solenoid armature 82 and its associated head tab 84 from- control plate 60 will enable the nose portion 46 to engage the , cam cutout 72 allowing upon subsequent rotation of dial 34, the withdrawal of lock bolt 27 from its recess 28 within a wall 29 having the secured area opened. Fence-spindle assembly 50 has a journalled spindle 54 and its hex head 55 on a fence plate 52 at an opposite end from spindle 54, in the opposite direction to a fence member 56. (See Fig. 2.) Upon rotational operation of dial 34 and shaft 30, initializing the manual combination override mechanism of lock 20, fence member 56 engages the gate area 94 of a plurality of tumblers 90, as shown in Fig. 7. The manual combination override feature assures the capability of opening lock 20 in the event the electro¬ nic combination is forgotten, or there is an electronic misfunction or a power loss, and/or damage to the electronic means 100 of lock 20. The manual combination override feature has the bolt control release mechanism 40, rotate in a clockwise fashion as one entire unit, as opposed to the independent rotation of face plate 60 in the electronic mode of operation of lock 20 as shown in Fig. 6. Solenoid 80 is one method that can hold control plate 60 with for unitary movement with bolt operating lever 42. The operation in the electronic mode will releasably allow rotation of said plate 60 in order to mesh nose portion 46 with cam disc cutout 72. A solenoid 80 is not the only means in which this could be accomplished. Another method or manner in which this can be accomplished is with a series of magnetic switches, a series of withdrawable electronically li controlled pins and any number ways as well one skille in the art could contemplate for releasably holdin control plate 60. Fig. 8 shows the component mounting board 103. Component mounting board 103 has on it a series o circular pressure-sensitive switches 102 and a circui pattern containing circuit logic and design 106 fo retention of an electronic combination which will b contacted by push pin 75, as described above, fo generation of an electronic signal which will open loc 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the electronic means is insid the wall or door 22 with its own covering 126. Th covering or housing 126 covers the backside or revers side of circuit component mounting board 103. In Fig. 8, we see area 120 which contains a powe source 122 for the operation of the electronic means The power source 122 is contained within the housing 2 and alongside the electronic component mounting boar 103 as shown in Fig. 3. Power source 122 has in it cavity two holding areas 124 and 125 for the positionin and retention of two commercially available dry or we cell batteries or power source storage units. Th batteries are placed within the packaged area 120 b removal of bolt 123 and cover 121. The batteries enable the operation of lock 2 independent of a power source, such as AC or DC current. Alternatively, the batteries or storage cells, whic contain electrical current can operate the electroni means of lock 20, as an emergency power source back-up. In case of a power failure or an attempted tamperin with said lock mechanism where the main power source i disconnected, power source 122 will generate sufficien power to operate lock 20. The batteries or power sourc would be stored in a hermetic environment encased in such material, which for whatever reason the chemical components of the batteries or storage cells would leak, would prevent such leakage into other areas of the lock 20 housing 24. On the reverse side of component board 103 as shown in Fig. 9, are a series of pressure-sensitive switches 108 and key seats 100 adjacent thereto. The plurality of key seats 109 have key openings as indicated by 111, which has a key seat 112 in which a key 110 fits. The pre-determined electronic combination noted above, in which pressure-sensitive switches 102 are contacted by push pin 75 through axial displacement of shaft 30 upon inward pressure of dial 34 are set by means of the use of key 110, key seats 109 and pressure- sensitive switches 108 on the reverse side of circuit mounting board 103. Key 110 is inserted into one of a plurality of key seats indicated at 109 and in order for entry of the electronic combination. • The key 110 is entered and turned to the right or left with one of the pressure-sensitive switches 100 then contacted. There would be an entry combination code in which the pressure-sensitive switches 108 and key 110 would be inserted and turned and pressed in a pre-determined order, so that the combination of the electronic pressure-sensitive switches 102 in which are to be contacted by push pin 75 can be set. Subsequent to the entry combination code by means of key 110, seats 109 and pressure-sensitive switches 108, the operator will insert the key, turn it to the opposite direction to that used to gain entry. The pattern or combination can be set by the turning of the key 110 and the pressing of the associated switches 108 a number of times to indicate the correct number. For example, if the firs number that was to be set in the electronic combination was to be five, the key 110 would be placed in the key seat, opposite to pressure-sensitive switch numbered 4 and key 110 would be turned and 4 would be contacted, and then key 110 would be withdrawn, key 110 would be then placed in the key seat associated with pressure- sensitive switch numbered 1, turned and would be con¬ tacted. Finally, key 110 would be entered into the key seat associated with pressure-sensitive switch marked with Alpha C on it. The key would be turned and the Alpha C switch contacted and the number of the electro¬ nic combination would be entered. Obviously, the uses of switches 4 and 1 are only as for example, as switches 3 and 2, could be utilized to generate the number 5. The switches 108 and associated keyseats 109 numbered one through four and indicated control pressure-switch with Alpha C are only for example. The embodiment of an alternative combination input mechanism could have nine switches and keyways or fewer or as indicated. On dial 34 there could be divisions associated with zero, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or to whatever circular pattern of pressure- sensitive switches one would contemplate for the electronic combination. These designations and/or orientations of pressure-sensitive switches could also be marked on dial ring 36 in order to make its use easier for the operator to dial in the correct posi¬ tional orientations. Having thus described a preferred exemplary embodiment of an electronic lock with a manual combina¬ tion override in accordance with the present invention and alternatives noted thereof, which should be ap¬ preciated by those skilled in the art that the foregoing objects are attained by the present invention. Further, \ 1 p it should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment is intended to be exemplary only in that various modifications, alterations and adaptions thereof may be made within the scope of the present invention which is defined by the following claims.

Claims: π CLAIMS I claim: 1. In an electronic lock with a manual combin tion override, including a dial operated plurality tumbler wheels having gates to receive a fence member a bolt operating lever when the manual combination dialed, and an electronic means for generating a lo opening signal when a second combination is entered in said electronic means, the improvement comprising t provision of: said bolt operating lever being provided wi one end pivotally connected to said bolt and an opposi free end with a nose portion to be engaged by a dia operated cam for a release movement of the bolt; a separate fence for engaging said gates a means for movably mounting it relative to said lever; and means for holding said fence immovab relative to said lever until said electronic mea generates a lock opening signal; whereby said fence and bolt operating lev move as a unit in the manual combination opening of t lock and said bolt operating lever is released from sa fence for opening said lock when the electronic combin tion means is employed. 2. The improvement in electronic lock of Claim wherein the means for holding said fence immovab relative to said bolt operating lever comprises: a control plate connected to said fence f common pivotal movement relative to said lever; an electrically operated solenoid having armature member normally biased outwardly of a soleno body and being electrically operated by said lo \ o opening signal to cause movement of said armatur inwardly of said body; and solenoid mounting means for mounting sai solenoid to normally place said armature in a positio to block pivotal movement of said control plate relativ to said lever until said armature is moved inwardl relative to said solenoid body. 3. The improvement in electronic lock of claim 2 -.*' wherein: said control plate is provided with a lock slot; and said solenoid armature is provided with a hea tab on an outer end thereof which is receivable in sai lock-slot. 4. The improvement in electronic lock of Claim 3 wherein: said lock-slot includes a flange protuding a 0 least partially into said slot; and said head tab, when received in said loc slot, lies at least partially under said flange. 5. The improvement in electronic lock of Claim l 5 wherein said fence is provided as part of a fence spindle assembly of a fence and spindle for pivotall movinting the fence relative to the bolt operting leve and said means for holding said fence immovable relatin to said lever comprises: 0 a control plate having a hex head orifice fo joining with said spindle of said fence-spindl assembly; a lock-slot on said control plate; and \ °i a solenoid attached to said bolt operati lever by a mounting means for securing said solenoid said lever, said solenoid having, a solenoid armatu with a head tab; whereby the control plate is normally held an immovable position through the retention of sa solenoid armature head tab in said lock-slot, and up generation of said electronic signal, said armatu releases said head tab from said lock-slot enabli * independent rotation of said lever, relative to sa plate and fence allowing said lock to be opened. 6. The improvement of the electronic lock Claim 5, wherein the fence-spindle assembly comprises: a journalled spindle; a fence arm; a fence plate; whereby the journalled spindle engages a rotationally joins said fence-spindle assembly with sa bolt operating lever and control plate for unitary rot tional movement upon the manipulation of said tumble which allows said fence to engage with said tumbl gates disengagingly rotating relative to said bolt lev and said plate which opens the lock and relati rotation between the components upon input of t electronic combination means which opens the lock. 7. The improvement of the electronic lock Claim 1 wherein the dial operated cam comprises: a disc upon rotation that translates parabol motion to a nose portion of a bolt operating lever; a slot within the body of said disc where said nose portion of said bolt operating lever engag and meshes with said disc; 10 a raised surface on said cam disc's circum ference that translates motion which rotates said fenc plate slot to a position for retraction or insertion o a solenoid tab head and armature upon input of an elec tronic signal by an electronic combination means; a shaft which is biased in the directio opposite to said cam; doweled to said disc through it center at one end and connected to a dial at th opposite end; * a dial which is joined with said shaft on th exterior of a housing containing said lock at a positio opposite to said cam disc; whereby manipulation of said dial rotationall moves said shaft and the disc cam in a manner so tha the fence lever will engage the gates of a plurality o tumblers, enabling the nose of the bolt operating lev to engage the disc which will throw the bolt; and up the rotational and axial movement of said dial and sa shaft, an electrical contact means will generate electronic signal which will release a holding mea which maintains a control plate in a unitary positi with the bolt operating lever and a fence-spind assembly which enables the nose of said bolt operati lever to engage said disc and upon rotation of sa dial, throw said bolt and opens the lock. 8. The improvement of the electronic lock Claim 7, where the shaft comprises: an axial shaft controlling means for co trolling the axial displacement of said shaft by inward pressure upon the dial connectably joined to sa shaft that will cause displacement of said electron contact means in a series of distinct orientations. 9. The improvement of the electronic lock o Claim 8, wherein said axial shaft controlling mean comprises: a series of teeth mounted circumferentially o said shaft that mate with a series of teeth perpen dicularly positioned relative to the teeth on said shaf circumferentially around said shaft within the region o the housing containing said lock which surrounds sai shaft; * whereby there will only be axial movement wh the teeth on the shaft and within the housing perpe dicularly match up, which enables axially displaceme of said shaft and electronic contacting means. 10. The improvement of the electronic lock Claim 1, where the electronic signal generating mea comprises: a series of thin film pressure sensiti switches arranged in circular pattern on a circui component mounting board; a circuit component mounting board which has circuit means to generate an electrical signal whi activates and engagably withdraws a connecting mea which insertably holds a control plate in a unita position with a bolt operating lever and a fence; an electrical combination contacting means fo contacting said pressure sensitive switches in combination pattern to generate said signal; whereby upon the rotational and axial moveme of said dial, the pressure switches are contacted in prescribed combination pattern which will engagably jo said nose portion of a bolt lever with said cam disc the withdrawal of said control plate connecting mea for insertably holding said control plate, subsequent J4. this engagement the further rotation of said dial will open said lock. 11. The improvement of the electronic lock of Claim 10, where the electrical contacting combination means comprises: a push pin mounted in a transverse position t the surface of the cam disc; said push pin is positionally attached on th t ' cam disc surface at a point opposite to the circula arranged pattern of pressure sensitive switches tha upon rotation of said cam disc, the push pin woul rotate concentrically above said switches; whereby, the axial movement of said shaft by force exerted in a direction of the switches upon th dial at a dial position that allows movement axially o said shaft and that overcomes said biasing of sai shaft, the inward force on said dial causes the push pi to contact one of the said switches sufficiently t cause electrical contact; upon subsequent dial manipulations and axia displacements by said push pin, an electronic signal i generated which releases the holding means upon sai control plate which subsequently causes the lock t open. 12. The improvement of the electronic lock o Claim 10 where the input of said electronic combinatio pattern comprises: a key; a series of key seats; a series of pressure sensitive switche mounted on the reverse side of a circuit componen mounting board whereupon there are a series of pressur sensitive switches arranged in a circular pattern whi upon contact in a specific pattern will generate electronic signal causing the lock to open; a circuit logic means for inputting a retaining a combination pattern for said circular seri of pressure switches; whereby the key seats are arranged with reciprocal pressure sensitive switch upon the entry the key into the key seat and the turning of the key ' one direction and subsequent contacting of said switch in a predetermined pattern allows the changing of sa combination pattern by turning the key in the opposi direction and then pressing said pressure sensiti switches in an order which will then encode the combin tion for the circular pattern series of pressu sensitive switches on the circuit component mounti board. 13. The improvement of the electronic lock Claim 1 further comprising: an electronic overload thermal activatab safety means locking system for preventing the relea of the lock bolt due to the tampering or by an electr cal surge by means of a heat activatable safety fuse, bias ring and a means for maintaining the bolt in locked position. 14. The improvement of the electronic lock Claim 13 wherein the activatable safety means comprise a solid fuse of temperature sensiti material; a biased spring with a stiff leg portion; a lock bolt with a slot of sufficient size f said stiff leg portion; 1 whereby an electrical surge or an attempted tampering with of the lock a drill will generate heat causing said fuse to melt, which had releasably held sa'id spring stiff leg in a position opposite said slot, thereby allowing its entry into said slot preventing any movement of said bolt. 15. The improvement of the electronic lock of Claim 1, wherein the improvement comprises: * a power source contained within the housing of said electronic lock. 16. The improvement of the electronic lock of Claim 15, wherein the power source comprises: a power source which is a wet or dry cell electrical storage means for storing sufficient power to continue the operation of said lock for a determined period of time. 17. The improvement of the electronic lock of Claim 16 wherein the power source further comprises: a for continually charging said power source over time during full-up powering of the electronic lock by standard electrical means of a main power source. 18. The improvement of the electronic lock of Claim 15, wherein the power source comprises: a lid; a cavity for power source storage cells; a securing means for securing lid to packaged body; a securing means for sealing said package in a hermetic environment; 2 S packaging materials to keep power sourc storage cells self-contained within said packaged bod during operation of the electronic lock and to preven any leakage from said cells into other areas of th lock. 19. In a lock with a manual combination capabilit to override the misfunction of an electronic loc provision, including a dial operated plurality o * tumbler wheels having gates to receive a member of bolt operating assembly when the manual combination i dialed and upon operation of the electronic means whic generates a lock opening signal when a second combina tion is entered into said electronic means for generat ing a lock opening signal, the improvement comprising: the provision of said bolt operating leve being provided with one end pivotally connected to sai bolt and an opposite free end with a nose portion to b engaged by a dial operated cam for a releasing movemen of the bolt; a separate fence and spindle of a fence spindle assembly for movably mounting on said lever; a control plate movably engaged to said fence spindle assembly and mounted to said bolt operatin lever; a self-contained power source for maintainin the electronic capabilities of the lock during failur of the main power source and for use independent of sai main power source; whereby said fence, bolt operating lever, an control plate move as a unit in the manual combinatio mode and said bolt operating lever released from sai fence for opening said lock when said electroni combination mode causes the electronic means fo generating a lock opening signal to generate said signal causing the lock to open. 20. The improvement of the electronic lock of Claim 19 wherein the connecting means comprises: a solenoid; a solenoid armature; a head tab; a mounting means; whereupon the solenoid is connected to the bolt operating lever by a mounting means positioning said solenoid upon said lever in order that sai solenoid armature and head tab can withdrawingly engag the plate control; the mounting position enables said solenoid t retractably extend said armature head and tab t withdrawingly engage plate control lock within plat holding means for holding said plate; whereby the operation of the electroni combination mode means for generating an electroni signal causing the release of said control plate whic will cause said lock to open. 21. The improvement of the electronic lock o Claim 19 wherein the holding means comprises: a platform; a slotted section; a plurality of supports; the platform sits on said control plat arcuate end supported by sections on all sides excep for that facing the solenoid, said face facing th solenoid has an opening sufficient for entry of sai armature and head tab, upon the desired rotation of sai control plate in a clockwise manner whereupon a slo 3 ~ i adjacent to said armature matingly surrounds sa armature; whereby said head tab's withdrawal is pr vented by said lock slot's adjacent slot's positioni around said armature, the size of said slot bei insufficient for said head tab's withdrawal, whereup the proper manipulation of said dial operated cam wi rotate said control plate in the position for removal said tab head and armature upon generation of the ele * ' tronic signal by the electronic combination mode mea which causes the lock to open. 22. The improvement of the electronic lock Claim 19 wherein the dial operated cam comprises: a disc upon rotation that translates parabol motion to a nose portion of a bolt operating lever; a slot within the body of said disc where said nose portion of said bolt operating lever engag and meshes with said disc; a raised surface on said cam disc's circu ference that translates motion which rotates said fen plate slot to a position for retraction or insertion a solenoid tab head and armature upon input of an ele tronic signal by an electronic combination mode means; a shaft which is biased in the directi opposite to said cam; doweled to said disc through i center at one end and connected to a dial at t opposite end; a dial which is joined with said shaft on t exterior of a housing containing said lock at a positi opposite to said cam disc; whereby manipulation of said dial rotational moves said shaft and the disc cam in a manner so th the fence lever will engage the gates of a plurality tumblers, enabling the nose of the bolt operating lever to engage the disc which will throw the bolt; and upon the rotational and axial movement of said dial and said shaft, an electrical contact means will generate an electronic signal which will release a holding means which maintains a control plate in a unitary positio with the bolt operating lever and a fence which enable the nose of said bolt operating lever to engage sai disc and upon rotation of said dial, throw said bolt an * opens the lock. 23. The improvement of the electronic lock o Claim 19, where the electrical contacting combinatio means comprises: a push pin mounted in a transverse position t the surface of the cam disc; said push pin is positionally attached on th cam disc surface at a point opposite to the circula arranged pattern of pressure sensitive switches tha upon rotation of said cam disc, the push pin woul rotate concentrically above said switches; whereby, the axial movement of said shaft by force exerted in a direction of the switches upon th dial at a dial position that allows movement axially o said shaft and that overcomes said biasing of sai shaft, the inward force on said dial causes the push pi to contact one of the said switches sufficiently t cause electrical contact; upon subsequent dial manipulations and axia displacements by said push pin, an electronic signal i generated which releases the holding means upon sai control plate which subsequently causes the lock t open. a < ? 24. The improvement of the electronic lock o Claim 19 where the input of said electronic combinatio pattern comprises: a key; a series of key seats; a series of pressure sensitive switche mounted on the reverse mode of a circuit componen mounting board whereupon there are a series of pressur sensitive switches arranged in a circular pattern whic * upon contact in a predetermined specific order wil generate an electronic signal causing the lock to open; a circuit logic means for inputting an retaining a combination pattern for said circular serie of pressure switches; whereby the key seats are arranged with reciprocal pressure sensitive switch, upon the entry o the key into the key seat and the turning of the key i one direction and subsequent contacting of said switche in a predetermined pattern allows the changing of sai combination pattern by turning the key in the opposit direction and then pressing said pressure sensitiv switches in an order which will then encode the combina tion for the circular pattern series of pressur sensitive switches on the circuit component of th mounting board. 25. A kit for retrofitting a dial operated combi nation lock with an electronic lock with a manua combination override, wherein the kit comprises: a means for mounting said lock shaft for bot rotational and axial displacement including a biasin means for biasing said shaft in an axial directio toward said dial; 3o contacting means for contacting the electronic means for generating an opening signal for installatio on said shaft opposite to said dial for exerting a force to enable the contacting means to make contact in eac of a plurality of distinct, unique locations within sai lock when said shaft is displaced axially into a housin which the manual combination lock was housed and will house the electronic lock kit; at each of a plurality of distinct rotationa orientations of said shaft an orientation means t ensure proper angular displacement of said contactin means; a release means rotationally opening said loc axially attached to said lock bolt at a first end and nose portion at a second end, said releasing mean engaging said contacting means on said shaft; a control plate which engagingly mates an joins with said release means; a fence and transverse spindle of a fence spindle assembly for movably mounting on said releas means; wherein in said release means, said fence spindle assembly, and said control plate can ac relative to each other or as a unit; component mounting board means for installa tion within said lock housing behind and parallel t said contacting means, including pressure sensitiv switching means for generating electronic signal arrayed at such distinct locations for making one of plurality of distinct, unique electrical connection when contacted by said contacting means when said shaf is axially displaced into said lock housing at sai distinct angular orientation; an electronic logic means for detecting that given subset of connections to said switches has be made in a predetermined, sequential order correspondi to an opening lock electronic combination; a signal generating means for generating electrical signal when an electronic combination entered by means of the contacting means through axi contacting; a power source means for bringing power * ' said circuits to be contained within said housing; a set of tumbler and associated gates whi will be mounted around the circumference of said sha in a concentric manner, said tumblers will cooperative rotate with said contacting means on said shaft enabli the concurrent meshing of said contacting means and sa releasing means upon input of a manual combination; said release means, fence-spindle assembly a control plate move as a unit upon the input of sa electronic combination by axially displacing said sha in a predetermined orientation prescribed order whi generates an electrical signal which opens said loc and the rotation of said shaft by use of said dial whi will orient said tumblers in a pattern to enable t entry of a fence member into the tumbler gates, whi will release said release means resulting in an openi of the lock in a manual mode. 26. In an electronic lock with a manual combin tion override, including a dial operated plurality tumbler wheels having gates to receive a fence of a bo operating lever when the manual combination is diale and an electronic means for generating a lock openi signal when a second combination is entered into sa electronic means, the improvement comprising th provision of: said bolt operating lever being provided wit one end pivotally conducted to said bolt and an opposit free end with an nose portion to be engaged by a dia operated cam for a release movement of the bolt; a clearance cut out along the surface of th bolt operating lever adjacent to the bushings of th housing in which the lock is contained within; a mounting release knob on the circumferenc of said pivotally attached end; a safety finger on the outer circumference o the pivotally attached end acutely angled from sai mounting release knob; and a mounting bolt rotationally mounting sai lever on a bolt; a separate fence and spindle of a fence spindle assembly for movably mounting on said lever; where said fence-spindle assembly has journalled spindle, a fence bar, and a fence plate; a control plate transversely mounted to sai fence and matingly mounted to said bolt operating leve where said control plate has a flat triangul shaped surface parallel to said operating bolt lever, acute angled end incorporating a hex head orifi joining means for joining with a transverse link of fence and said bolt operating lever for rotation as unit or rotation of said plate alone, and an opposi arcuately shaped opposite end; a solenoid, a solenoid armature, a head ta and a mounting bolt for mounting said solenoid; a lock slot platform enclosure with a pla form, a slotted section, and a plurality of support mounted on the arcuated shaped end adjacent to the ed of that end and opposite to the position where sa mounting bolt mounts said solenoid to said bolt opera ing control lever; a disc upon rotation that translates parabol motion to a nose portion of said bolt operating lever, slot within a body of said disc wherein said no portion of said bolt operating lever engages and mesh with said disc, a raised surface on said cam di circumference that translate motion which rotates sa # ' fence plate slot to a position for retractional inse tion of a solenoid tab head and its armature upon inp of an electronic signal by an electronic combinati means, a shaft which is biased in the direction opposi to said cam, doweled through the disc's center at o end and connected to a dial at the other opposite end; a series of teeth circumferentially on sa shaft that mates with a series of teeth perpendicular positioned circumferentially around said shaft with said housing; a series of thin film pressure-sensiti switches arranged in a circular pattern on a circu component mounting board, a circuit mounting board whi has an electronic means to generate the electric signal and activates and engagably withdraws a soleno tab head which insertably hold a control plate in t unitary position with the bolt operating lever and fence, and a push pin for contacting said pressur sensitive switches in a combination pattern to genera said signal; a push pin mounted in a transverse position the surface of the cam disc, said push pin is positio ally attached on the cam disc surface parallel and abo the circular arranged pattern of pressure-sensiti switches that upon rotation of said cam disc, and t axially displacement of said push pin will contact said switches; a key, a series of key seats, a series of pressure-sensitive switches mounted on the reverse side of a circuit component mounting board whereupon there are a series of pressure-sensitive switches arranged in a pattern corresponding to said key seats wherein keys are entered to change the electronic combination of the circular arranged switches by means of turning the key * ' in one direction to change the combination and in the opposite direction to input the combination both by subsequent contact of the associated switches, and a circuit logic means for inputting and retaining a combination pattern for said circular series of pressure switches contacted by said push pin; an electronic overload thermal safety lockin system which prevent the release of the lock bolt due t tampering of the housing or by an electronic surge b means of a heat activated safety fuse, a bias ring and a stiffed leg of a spring for maintaining the bolt in locked position by entry of said stiff legged portio into a slot in the lock bolt; a power source which is a wet or dry cel electrical storage means for storing sufficient power t continue to the operation of said lock for a determine period of time; whereby said fence-spindle assembly, bol operating lever, and control plate move as a unit in manual combination mode and said bolt operating leve released from said fence-spindle and control plate fo opening said lock when the electronic combination mean is employed.

Inventors: GARTNER KLAUS W, UYEDA ALAN K, GARTNER, KLAUS, W., UYEDA, ALAN, K.
Applicants: GARTNER KLAUS W, UYEDA ALAN K, GARTNER, KLAUS, W., UYEDA, ALAN, K.
Application year: 1989
Main classification: E05B47
IPC codes: E05B37, E05B47, E05B49