Patent Publication Number: US-6337618-B1

Title: Programmable electromechanical lock with digital display

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an electromechanical lock including an LCD, a microcontroller, a lock bar and means for releasing the lock bar to permit opening of the lock upon entering a correct combination using one or more buttons. The invention further relates to a lock device which is provided with a transceiver and an antenna for wireless communication with a lock provider or advertising service in order to facilitate remote programming and manipulation of data on the microcontroller, wherein a message (e.g., an advertisement) appears on the lock&#39;s display upon completing entry of a correct combination code to open the lock. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     The art is crowded with numerous combination locks of various style and structure. In particular, a mechanical combination lock comprising a steel housing with a rotatable combination dial on the front face and a U-shaped steel locking bar is well known in the art. This type of lock, sold primarily under the trademark “MASTERLOCK,” was first introduced to the market many years ago and remains in widespread use to this day. The rotating dial combination lock is used extensively by students between 6-22 years of age for securing lockers in schools and locker rooms, as well as for locking storage trunks, gates and bicycles. 
     One problem with existing mechanical combination locks is that they usually require two hands in order to enter the combination and pull the lock open. Furthermore, manually rotating a dial through numerous revolutions, both clockwise and counterclockwise, can be confusing and often times one has to make several attempts at entering the combination to open the lock. Additionally, the purely mechanical structure makes it easier to pick this type of lock. 
     In the present market of the approaching new millennium, wherein consumers thrive on high technology products, the purely mechanical rotating dial combination lock is viewed as a kind of relic, much like the rotating dial telephone appears to be when compared to the modern push button digital phone. The antiquated structure of this style combination lock is especially realized by today&#39;s teenagers who, having grown up in the emerging high tech computer era, are accustomed to push button entry and digital display features for a vast array of devices, including watches, stereo equipment, handheld computers, pagers, and cellular phones. And yet, despite significant advances in other product fields, combination locks, particularly those used by students, have remain unchanged for more than 30 years. The seemingly antique nature of the rotating combination entry dial, which is awkward to many of today&#39;s youths, limits the usefulness and capabilities of this style lock in the present high technology environment. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved combination lock, of the type including a housing and a U-shaped lock bar which releases from the housing, wherein the combination is entered using push buttons and, further wherein the alphanumeric characters of the combination, product logos, messages, advertisements and other indicia, may be shown on an LCD. There is a further need for an electromechanical lock which is provided with push button entry means, an LCD and wireless communication means for remote programming and manipulation of data stored on a microcontroller/microprocessor in the lock, thereby permitting a large number of lock units to be programmed with updated messages, such as advertisements, from a central location. 
     3. Objects of the Invention 
     It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a programmable electromechanical lock which includes a liquid crystal display and wherein the lock is specifically structured to permit push button entry of alphanumeric characters of a combination code to thereby facilitate ease of operation to open the lock. 
     It is also a primary object of the present invention to provide a programmable electromechanical lock with a liquid crystal display and including means for storing messages, including advertisements, company logos, and other graphics, wherein one or more messages are displayed upon completion of entry of a correct code to open the lock. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a programmable electromechanical lock with a liquid crystal display, wherein the lock is provided with a transceiver and an antenna for wireless communication with a central programming station, thereby allowing a provider of the lock to change and/or update stored message data and to remotely program and manipulate data stored in the memory means of the lock. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a programmable electromechanical lock with a liquid crystal display, wherein a provider of the lock can remotely program and manipulate data stored on the microcontrollers of a large number of the electromechanical lock units throughout a vast geographical area of distribution. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a programmable electromechanical lock with a liquid crystal display, wherein a provider of the lock is able to remotely change and/or update stored message data on a large number of the electromechanical lock units throughout a vast geographical area of distribution, thereby allowing messages which are displayed on the lock units to be simultaneously changed or updated at periodic intervals selected by the provider. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a programmable electromechanical lock with a liquid crystal display which is specifically structured to be energy efficient, thereby providing an extended useful battery life and allowing for thousands of operating sequences of the lock over an extended period of time. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a programmable electromechanical lock with a liquid crystal display which includes means to prevent unauthorized removal of the power source when the lock is in a locked condition. 
     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a programmable electromechanical lock with a liquid crystal display which is specifically structured to store a plurality of combination codes including a permanent factory installed code and one or more programmable user codes selected by the individual user of the lock. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a programmable electromechanical lock with a liquid crystal display which is specifically structured to include multiple diagnostic functions for factory use and user functions including the ability to set the correct time, to change the contrast of the display, and to program personal user combination codes which overlay a permanent factory code. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a programmable electromechanical lock with a liquid crystal display which provides a means for advertising to a captive audience. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an electromechanical lock which includes a housing with a front face, a plurality of push buttons on the front face, and a U-shaped lock bar having a first end movably fixed within the housing and a second end which is releasably separable from the housing to open the lock. The lock further includes an LCD on the front face and an internal electrically programmable microcontroller communicating with the LCD, the push buttons, and a lock release assembly structured for releasable interlocking with the second end of the lock bar within the housing. The microcontroller stores one or more combination codes, including a permanently preprogrammed identifiable factory code which is burned into memory and at least one user programmable code which is entered using the buttons on the front face of the lock. The lock release assembly includes a locking lever structured and disposed for movement into locked engagement with the second end of the lock bar in order to secure the lock bar in a closed, locked position so that both ends are captured within the housing. A cam engages the locking lever for moving the lever into and out of locked engagement with the end of the lock bar. The lock is opened by entering the combination, using the buttons. As the user enters the code, the display momentarily indicates each character of the code, independently of the other characters. As each subsequent character of the combination is entered, the previous entered character disappears from the display. The removed character (after entry) may be replaced with a dash, dot, star or other symbol to indicate to the user that the character placement has been entered. The microcontroller compares the entered code with the programmed codes and, if a match is achieved, the microcontroller signals actuation of the electromechanical device, such as a motor/solenoid, causing the cam to rotate and release the locking lever, thereby allowing the locked bar to be pulled open from the housing. 
     In another embodiment, the lock is further provided with a transceiver and an antenna to facilitate wireless communication. In particular, it is contemplated that a plurality of locks, incorporating wireless communication capabilities, are to be distributed by a provider, such as an advertising, internet and/or communications company. In this embodiment, the provider is able to remotely communicate with each of the plurality of lock units from a central location. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the electromechanical lock of the present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof; 
     FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate, in sequence, the manner of combination code entry and display of the individual entered digits when opening the lock; 
     FIG. 3A is a front perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the electromechanical lock; 
     FIG. 3B is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the electromechanical lock; 
     FIG. 3C is a front perspective view of yet another embodiment of the electromechanical lock; 
     FIG. 4 is a front perspective view, in partial section, showing the internal components and structure of the electromechanical lock of the embodiment of FIG.  3 B; 
     FIG. 5 is a side elevation, in cross section, showing the internal components of the electromechanical lock of the embodiment of FIG. 3B incorporating a solenoid actuating mechanism for moving a cam of the locking assembly; 
     FIG. 6 is a side elevation, in cross section, showing the internal components of the electromechanical lock of the embodiment of FIG. 3B incorporating a motor and gear arrangement for moving a cam of the locking assembly; 
     FIG. 7 is a side elevation, in cross section, showing the internal components of the electromechanical lock of the embodiment of FIG. 3B incorporating a motor and worm gear arrangement for moving a cam of the locking assembly and further incorporating an alternative arrangement of components therein; 
     FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the electromechanical lock, in accordance with a further embodiment thereof, showing a key slot for opening the lock with a master key; 
     FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 with the back plate of the lock housing removed, showing the internal mechanical components therein; 
     FIG. 10 is an isolated, top plan view of a traveler fitted to one end of the U-shaped lock bar for guiding movement of the end of the lock bar within the housing; 
     FIG. 11 is an isolated plan view, in partial section, showing a locking lever with a spring loaded catch for releasable, interlocking engagement with an opposite end of the lock bar within the housing; 
     FIG. 12A is a rear elevational view of one embodiment of the lock, with the back removed, showing the components of the lock release assembly within the lock chamber of the housing, with the locking lever engaged with the end of the U-shaped lock bar in a closed position within the housing, and thereby defining a locked condition; 
     FIG. 12B is a rear elevational view, of the embodiment of FIG. 12A, showing the components of the lock release assembly disengaged from the end of the U-shaped lock bar, with the U-shaped lock bar pulled open, and thereby defining an unlocked condition; 
     FIG. 13A is a top plan view of a cam in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 13B is a bottom plan view showing the opposite side of the cam of FIG. 13A; 
     FIG. 14A is a top plan view of a cam in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 14B is a bottom plan view showing the opposite side of the cam of FIG. 14A; 
     FIG. 14A is a rear elevational view of the lock, in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, showing the components of the lock release assembly (a spur gear is removed for purposes of clarity) in a locked position to secure the U-shaped lock bar closed with both ends of the lock bar captivated within the housing, thereby defining a locked condition; 
     FIG. 15B is a rear elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 15A showing the components of the lock release assembly in a released position, to thereby permit extension and removal of the U-shaped lock bar, and defining an open condition; 
     FIG. 16 is an exploded bottom view, in cross-section, illustrating assembly of the component elements of the lock release assembly in accordance with one embodiment thereof; 
     FIG. 17A is a bottom plan view of the lock in accordance with one preferred embodiment thereof; 
     FIG. 17B is rear elevational view, in partial cutaway, illustrating a battery and battery carriage within the lock housing in accordance with one preferred embodiment thereof; 
     FIG. 17C is a front elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 17A showing the battery and battery carriage removed from the lock housing; 
     FIG. 18A is a rear perspective view of the lock showing an auxiliary battery pack plugged into the lock housing for providing power to the components thereof; 
     FIG. 18B is a perspective view of the auxiliary battery pack showing a battery being removed therefrom; 
     FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram of the electronic circuitry of the embodiment of FIG. 3C; 
     FIG. 20 is a flow chart indicating steps of operation in the use of the electromechanical lock of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 21 is another flow chart, indicating steps of operation in the use of the electromechanical lock in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the several views of the drawings, several preferred embodiments of the electromechanical lock of the present invention are shown and generally indicated as  10 ,  10 ′ and  10 ″. In each of the embodiments, the lock includes a housing  12  and a U-shaped lock bar  14  having a first end portion  16  which is movably retained within the housing of the lock and an opposite second end portion  18  having a notch  19  formed on an inner facing side in spaced relation from the distal end. The notch  19  is structured and disposed for releasable, interlocked engagement with a lock release assembly within the housing. Accordingly, when the lock bar is in a locked position, both end portions  16  and  18  remain captured within the housing so that the U-shape lock bar encloses an area  15  between the lock bar  14  and the housing  12  in the same general manner as conventional locks which use a U-shaped lock bar. 
     In the preferred embodiments, the housing  12  has a generally round configuration with a cylindrical side wall  20 , and a back plate  21  which is fixed to the cylindrical side wall. The cylindrical side wall and back plate are formed of hardened steel or, alternatively, a durable plastic or other material which is resistant to impact, to thereby maintain the integrity of the lock. The housing further includes a front face  22  which is fitted within an annular rim  24  at the forward end of the side wall. In a preferred embodiment, the front face  22  is formed of translucent/clear polycarbonate. However, it is contemplated that other materials may be used for the front face, including steel for providing added security against tampering and to possibly reduce the manufacturing costs. The disk-shaped face is sized for congruent receipt within the annular rim of the housing and includes cutout portions to permit passage of a plurality of buttons therethrough. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the device is provided with three buttons, including an increment button  28 , a decrement button  27 , and a select button  26 . To enhance the appearance of the front face, a membrane may be inserted behind the polycarbonate clear face. In particular, an acetate material provides a suitable membrane  30  to print colorful logos, graphics and/or text thereon. A window  31  is provided in the membrane to expose a liquid crystal display (LCD)  32  through the front face  22 . The display  32  provides visual indication of each of the entered characters, for a plurality of character placements A-E, using the buttons  26 ,  27  and  28 . Specifically, FIGS. 2A-2E show a sequence of character entry placements A-E used for entering the combination code of the lock. Use of five character placements allows for over 60 million different combinations. Beginning with the first character placement A, shown in FIG. 2A, the user can advance from the zero digit through the nine digit and/or through each letter of the alphabet using the increment button  28  to reach the desired alphanumeric character of the first character placement A. Alternatively, the user can use the decrement button  27  to decrease the characters at each character placement. Upon reaching the desired alphanumeric character ( 0 - 9  and/or capital A-Z) for each character placement, the select button  26  is depressed. Upon depressing the select button, the character at that specific character placement is entered and saved, and the next succeeding character placement is displayed. For security purposes, each character placement is shown independently, while the other character placements remain blank (showing a dash, star or other symbol). For instance, in FIG. 2A, the character is displayed at the first character placement A, while the remaining character placements B-E are left with a dash. The user can then scroll up or down, from zero through Z, at this specific character placement A, until the desired character is displayed. Upon depressing the select button  26 , the entered character is removed and replaced with a dash, and the next succeeding character placement B is activated to initially reveal the zero digit, as seen in FIG.  2 B. The user can then scroll through the characters ( 0 - 9  and A-Z) at this placement until the desired character is reached. The select button  26  is then depressed to enter this selected character of the code. This sequence continues through the remaining character placements C-E, as seen in FIGS. 2C through 2E, until all characters of the code are entered, at each character placement. 
     The display  32  may further be used to show messages, including advertisements, product or company logos, telephone numbers, and the like. FIG. 2F shows one particular example of the display used to advertise a website for the internet. In one preferred embodiment, the messages, including advertisements, are displayed at the time of completion of entry of the last character of the code when the user is focused on the display. The same message may be repeated at each opening of the lock or, alternatively, a plurality of messages (e.g., advertisements) may be programmed in the device, wherein a different message is displayed each time the lock is opened. Thus, the displayed message, such as the one shown in FIG. 2F, is used to simultaneously convey information (e.g., an advertisement) to the user and to indicate to the user that the correct code has been successfully entered. 
     In accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention, the display  32  of the lock device  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ may be a segmented display, a character display, or a graphic liquid crystal display. The use of a graphic liquid crystal display (LCD) provides the widest array of visual options for advertising purposes. To reduce the stacking area required for the display  32 , and to provide more room therein for other electronic components, an LCD (liquid crystal display) with COG (chip on glass) type display is preferred. The chip on the COG display  32  provides for simplicity of connection to an array of contacts associated with a PC board  51 . In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3B,  3 C,  4 ,  6  and  7 , the LCD is provided with a character generator for displaying character fonts and/or numerals in various sizes and/or languages. 
     In each of the various embodiments, shown throughout the several views of the drawings, the interior of the lock housing is provided with two primary chambers. Specifically, the lock interior includes an electronics chamber  40  in a forward portion of the lock housing, adjacent the front face  22  and display  32 , and a lock chamber  42  within a rear portion of the housing which contains a plurality of components of a lock release assembly  44  for interlocking engagement with the second end  18  of the lock bar  14  within the lock chamber  42 . The two primary chambers  40 ,  42  are separated by an interior dividing wall  76 . 
     The electronics chamber  40  contains a plurality of electronic components including a power source  48  and a microcontroller  50 . In the preferred embodiment, the power source  48  is a replaceable Lithium 3VDC power cell  52 , which is commercially available through varied manufacturers. While this particular power source provides limited energy reserves, the remaining electronic components of the device have been specifically selected to work in conjunction with this power source, requiring minimal power consumption to thereby extend the useful life of the power source. The one or more power cells  52  are held within pockets on a carriage  54  which pulls out and removes from a bottom of the cylindrical wall structure  20  of the housing in order to facilitate replacement of the power cell(s)  52 , when needed. The ability to remove the power cell(s)  52  is also a security feature, preventing operation of the lock by someone other than the lock owner. In the preferred embodiment, the carriage  54  is hinged to the housing at hinge point  55  enabling the carriage  54  to be pulled out from a bottom of the housing in the manner illustrated in FIG.  17 C. Means are provided for preventing removal of the carriage from the housing until the lock bar  14  has been pulled open. Thus, when the lock bar  14  is secured in the locked position, the power cell  52  cannot be removed from the lock  10 . Upon opening of the lock, by entering the proper combination and pulling the lock bar  14  outwardly from the housing  12 , the carriage  54  is freed to enable the carriage to be pulled out and swung open about pivot point  55  in order to remove the power cell  52  from the lock device  10 . 
     An auxiliary power supply is further provided, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B. Specifically, the auxiliary power source includes a power pack  170  which is provided with a port  172  for insertion of the power cell  52 ′ therein. Energy from the power cell  52 ′ is delivered from the power pack  170  through conductors  174  leading to plug  176  at the distal end of the conductors  174 . The plug  176  is specifically structured for removable interconnection with a power supply port  178  on the lock housing  12 . In one embodiment, the power supply port  178  is provided on the back plate  21  of the lock housing  12 . Alternatively, a power supply port  178 ′ may be provided on the carriage  54 , as seen in FIG.  17 A. The auxiliary power supply is particularly useful in the instance that the power cell  52  within the lock device dies while the lock device ( 10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″) is in the locked condition. More particularly, when the lock device is in the locked condition, the carriage  54  cannot be removed from the housing in order to replace the power cell  52 . If the power cell  52  is dead, then it is necessary to connect the auxiliary power source, by attaching the plug  176  of the power pack  170  to the power supply port  178 , to thereby deliver energy from power cell  52 ′ in the power pack  172  to the electronic components of the lock device. This permits entry of the proper combination code (either the factory code or user code) to energize the lock release means and to thereby open the lock so that the carriage can be removed. The dead power cell  52  within the carriage  54  can then be replaced with a new power cell for continued use and operation of the lock device. 
     The microcontroller  50  in the electronics chamber  40  communicates with the push buttons, the display, and cam movement means  56  for actuating movement of the lock release assembly  44 . The microcontroller  50  is programmable and, in a preferred embodiment, is provided with electrically erasable programmable random access memory (internal EEPROM). This allows for internal programming and manipulation of data stored on the microcontroller via wireless communication and/or a plug-in hard wired connection to a programming device, such as a computer. In each of the preferred embodiments, the microcontroller  50  is programmed with a factory combination code for opening the lock  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″. It should be noted that, while a five character code is shown in the several drawing figures, the factory code and a user program code may be more or less than five characters, depending upon manufacturer costs and specifications. The factory code, which relates to the code permanently installed within the non-volatile memory, is preferably alphanumeric, using a series of digits/characters. In the event millions of the lock devices are manufactured, this type of coding enables programming of hundreds of millions different code combinations. As mentioned above, the user of the lock device has the option, at his/her discretion, to install a personal PIN code over the factory code, using the same alphanumeric coding. Programming of a personal PIN code or overlay code does not remove the factory code, and the user has the ability to use either the personal code or the factory code to open the lock. 
     Upon entry of the correct code (either the factory code or personal PIN code), using the buttons  26 ,  27  and  28  on the front face, the microcontroller  50  signals actuation of the cam movement means  56 , to thereby operate the lock release assembly  44 . Rotational movement of the cam  58  permits movement of a locking lever  60  to disengage the end  18  of the lock bar  14 . The movement means  56 , for rotating the cam  58 , may include various electromechanical devices in accordance with several embodiments of the invention, as shown throughout the several views of the drawings. Specifically, in one embodiment, a solenoid  62  with a spring loaded plunger  64 , is provided, as seen in FIGS. 5,  12 A and  12 B, wherein retraction of the plunger against a spring serves to rotate the cam  58  in the clockwise direction to free the locking lever  60 . In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 15A-15B, a worm gear  72  driven by a 3 volt DC motor  70  is used to rotate a spur gear  74 , as shown in FIGS. 6,  15 A and  15 B. In this embodiment, the spur gear  74  is coupled to the cam  58 ′ by a spring  77  which urges the cam  58 ′ through a partial rotation, both clockwise and counter-clockwise, to engage and release the locking lever, thereby locking and unlocking the bar  14 . These various embodiments of the lock release assembly  44  and cam movement means  56  are described in more detail hereinafter. 
     The microcontroller  50  is further used to store message data. The messages are shown in alphanumeric form on the display  32  upon successful entry of the combination code to open the lock. The message data may include: an advertisement prompting the user to purchase a specific product; the name of a business; a telephone number or internet website; or other information which may include both graphics and text. 
     In each of the various embodiments shown throughout the several views of the drawings, the lock release assembly  44  includes the lock lever  60  which pivots about a pin  65  fixed to an interior wall  76  of the housing. The lever  60  is normally urged to a closed position, into interlocked engagement with the lock bar  14 , by a biasing element  66 . One end of the biasing element  66  engages the inner surface of the side wall  20  of the lock housing  12 . An opposite end section of the biasing element  66  is embedded within the side face of the lock lever  60  and engages dimples  67  pressed into the lock lever  60 . The biasing element  66  urges the lever  60  in the clockwise direction, when viewed from the back (see FIGS. 9,  12 A- 12 B, and  15 A- 15 B). A stop element (not shown for purposes of clarity) limits clockwise movement of the lock lever  60  so that it is normally in the locked position, as seen in FIGS. 9,  12 A and  15 A. The lock lever  60  includes a claw  80  fitted within a cavity of the lock lever so that the claw  80  extends from the lock lever, as seen in FIG.  11 . The claw  80  is urged to a normally extended position by a spring  81 . The pivot pin  65 , which extends through the lock lever, is positioned within a slot  82  formed along the base of the claw  80 , limiting extended and retracted movement of the claw  80  within the cavity of the lever  60 . The distal end of the claw is specifically shaped and configured for locked engagement with the notch  19  on the second end  18  of the lock bar  14 , as seen in FIGS. 9,  12 A and  15 A. Specifically, the distal end of the claw includes a convex top surface  84  and a concave lower surface  85 , with the concave and convex surfaces meeting at a downwardly oriented distal point  86 . 
     The lock release assembly  44  further includes the cam  58 , as mentioned above, which engages the lever  60  when the assembly  44  is in the locked position, to thereby secure the end of the lock bar  14  within the housing. Specifically, the cam  58  includes a knuckle  90  which is structured to engage a downwardly extending leg member  92  of the lever  60 . The cam  58  is normally urged to a locking position, as seen in FIGS. 12A and 15A. In this position, the knuckle  90  engages the bottom of the leg member  92  of the lever, holding the lever  60  in the locked position. When the lock device  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ is initially opened, the cam  58  is rotated clockwise, by the movement means  56 , releasing the leg member  92  of the lever  60  from engagement with the knuckle  90 . This allows the lever  60  to rotate counterclockwise as the lock bar  14  is pulled outwardly from the housing and the claw  80  disengages the notch  19  of the lock bar  14 . Thus, release of the lever  60  from the locked position, upon clockwise rotation of the cam  58 , allows the lock bar to be pulled outwardly from the housing until the second end  18  of the lock bar clears the housing, thereby opening the lock  10 . Once the distal end  106  of the lock bar  14  clears the claw  80 , the lever  60  is urged back (clockwise) into the normally locked position by the biasing element  66 . 
     The opposite first end  16  of the lock bar is retained within the housing and is guided by a traveler  94  fitted about a reduced diameter portion near the end lock bar. Specifically, the traveler  94 , as shown in FIG. 10, includes a U-shaped portion  95  which fits about the reduced diameter portion  96  adjacent the lock bar distal end  97 . The traveler  94  further includes a guide element  98  which is received within a track  99  (see FIG. 4) formed on the back plate  21  of the lock. The opposite ends  100 ,  101  of the traveler, adjacent the opening of the U-shaped portion, are received on opposite sides of an elongate rail  102  fitted to an inner wall  76  surface of the lock. The traveler  94  permits upward and downward movement of the first end  16  of the lock bar  14 , within the lock chamber  42 , through a limited range of movement sufficient to permit the second end  18  of the lock bar to be moved upwardly to the open position, as seen in FIGS. 12B and 15B. The traveler further maintains the proper orientation of the lock bar, so that the lock bar moves in a fluid motion between the extended, open position and the closed, locked position enabling the second end  18  to be received through an opening  104  (see FIG. 3B) formed in the top portion of the outer cylindrical wall  20  of the housing and into the lock chamber  42  upon closing the lock bar  14 . 
     When moving the lock bar  14  from the open position to the closed position, the second end  18  of the lock bar is received through the opening  104  formed in the housing wall. A tapered distal end  106  of the lock bar engages the convex surface  84  of the claw  80  of the locking lever, causing the claw  80  to be urged inwardly within the lever  60 , against the force of the spring. Continued downward movement of the second end  18  of the lock bar  14  against the protruding claw  80  results in the claw eventually reaching the notch  19 , whereupon the spring  81  urges the claw  80  outwardly and into locked engagement within the notch  19  on the end  18  of the lock bar  14 . 
     In FIGS. 5,  12 A and  12 B, one embodiment of the cam movement means  56  is shown and includes a solenoid actuated plunger  64 . The plunger  64  is fitted with a pin  110  extending transversely through a distal end zone  112  of the plunger  64  and into fitted attachment within a slot  114  formed in an arm  116  of the cam  58 , as best seen in FIGS. 5,  12 A- 13 B. The cam  58  includes an integral axle or mandrel  120  extending from a rear face thereof and into fitted receipt within a ballbearing spindle  122  which allows the mandrel  120  and cam  58  to rotate. The ballbearing spindle  122  is secured to the inner wall  76  of the housing and may be incorporated into a plug which is structured to press fit through a hole or opening in the wall  76 . In a relaxed state, the plunger  64  is maintained in an extended position, as seen in FIGS. 5 and 12A. Upon entry of the correct combination code, the microcontroller  50  signals actuation of the solenoid  62  to retract the plunger  64  against the spring  124 , causing the pin  112  to travel along the slot  114 , and thereby urging the cam  58  in a clockwise direction to the position shown in FIG.  12 B. This releases the knuckle  90  of the cam from engagement with the leg member  92 , and thereby allows the locking lever  60  to rotate counterclockwise upon pulling the lock bar  14  outwardly from the housing so that the protruding claw  80  is released from the notch  19 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 6,  7  and  14 A- 16 , the cam movement means  56  is shown in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof. In this embodiment, the cam movement means  56  includes an assembly comprising a motor  70 , a worm gear  72 , a spring  77  and a spur gear  74 . More specifically, the worm gear  72  is fixed on an axle  73  which is driven by an electric 3 volt DC motor  70 . The worm gear  72  is rotated through a series of revolutions, in either direction, upon actuation of the motor  70 . The spur gear  74  is rotatably maintained on the mandrel  120 ′ and is drivingly intermeshed with the worm gear  72 . One end of the spring  77  is fitted through an aperture in the spur gear  74  in order to attach the spring  77  to the spur gear  74 . An opposite end of the spring  77  attaches to the cam  58 ′ in the manner shown in FIGS. 6,  7  and  15 B. Thus, the spring  77  serves to couple the cam  58 ′ to the spur gear  74  so that when the spur gear  74  is rotated in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, a turning force is loaded in the spring  77  to thereby carry the cam  58 ′ in the same direction as the spur gear  74 . 
     Referring to FIG. 16, the assembly of the cam movement means  56 , in accordance with this preferred embodiment, is shown in an exploded view. Specifically, the mandrel  120 ′ includes a first end  121  which is fixed within a socket  123  on the inner dividing wall  76 . In one particular embodiment, the socket  123  may be provided on a retainer plug  125  which is press fit within a hole  127  formed through a center of the dividing wall  76 . The mandrel  120 ′ extends generally perpendicular to the dividing wall  76  and rearwardly to the back plate  21 . An opposite end  131  of the mandrel is press fit within an aperture or socket  133  on the back plate so that the mandrel  120 ′ is maintained in fixed position extending through the lock chamber  42  in perpendicular relation to the dividing wall  76  and back plate  21 . A bracket  140  is fitted about the mandrel  120 ′ and against the retainer  125  and/or the dividing wall  76 . The bracket  140 , in a preferred embodiment, is secured to an inner surface of the cylindrical wall  20 , preventing movement thereof, and provides means for mounting the motor  70  so that the shaft  73  of the motor and worm gear  72  thereon are properly aligned and spaced relative to the mandrel  120 ′. More specifically, the bracket  140  serves to locate and mount the motor  70  in proper orientation, at a precise location so that the worm gear  72  intermeshes in driven engagement with the teeth  79  on the spur gear  74 . The bracket  140  further includes a stop post  141  which extends upwardly from the brackets and rearwardly in the lock chamber to thereby provide a cam stop means, as described more fully hereinafter. The cam  58 ′ is rotatably received on the mandrel  120 ′, just rearward of spacer  142 . The spacer  142  between the bracket  140  and cam  58 ′ prevents frictional engagement of the cam  58 ′ against the bracket  140  and the surface of the dividing wall  76 . An aperture  143  formed through the cam  58 ′ is sized and configured for receipt of the mandrel  120 ′ therethrough so that the cam  58 ′ is able to rotate about the mandrel. A second spacer  144  is fitted to the mandrel  120 ′, between the cam  58 ′ and the spur gear  74 . The spring  77  includes a coiled section  146  which is received about the mandrel  120 ′ just rearward of the spur gear  74 . A first end  145  of the spring  77  is received through aperture  147  in the spur gear  74  and an opposite end  149  of the spring is fitted to the arm  116 ′ of the cam  58 ′. Alternatively, the end  149  of the spring  77  may be fitted through an aperture in the cam  58 ′ in the same general manner as the opposite end is fitted to the spur gear. The spur gear  74  is provided with a central hole  155  which is sized and disposed for receipt of the mandrel  120 ′ therethrough so that the spur gear  74  is able to rotate freely about the mandrel. A retainer  157  is press fit to the end  131  of the mandrel  120 ′ to captivate the spring coil  146  between the retainer  157  and the spur gear  74 , thereby maintaining the components of the cam movement means  56  on the mandrel when the back plate  21  is removed. The spring  77  couples the spur gear  74  to the cam  58 ′ and also acts as a compression spring to urge the spur gear  74  inwardly, away from the back plate  21  and retainer  157 , so that the teeth  79  of the spur gear  74  are maintained in intermeshed, driven engagement with the worm gear  72 . The spring  77  further allows the spur gear  74  to be rotatably adjusted relative to the lever  60 . Specifically, the spur gear  74  can be pulled outwardly, towards the back plate  21 , to disengage the teeth  79  from the worm gear  72  so that the spur gear can be rotatably adjusted either clockwise or counterclockwise and reset back into intermeshed, driven engagement with the worm gear  72 . This is particularly important to permit adjustment of the cam  58 ′ relative to the lever  60  and cam stop means defined by the stop post  141  maintained between the knuckle  90  and the arm  116 ′ of the cam  58 ′. More specifically, in the locked position the knuckle  90  of the cam  58 ′ is maintained in aligned, abutting engagement with the extending leg member  92  of the lock lever  60 . Upon completion of entry of the correct combination code, as described above, and actuation of the motor  70  to turn the worm gear  72 , the spur gear  74  is rotated clockwise through a predetermined, partial rotational movement. This results in the spring  77  becoming loaded to thereby urge the cam  58 ′ in the same clockwise direction as the spur gear  74 . If, for any reason, the cam  58 ′ becomes temporarily jammed or obstructed from rotating, then the load on the spring  77  will be stored until the cam  58 ′ is freed and able to move, at which point the spring  77  will urge the cam  58 ′ in the same direction of movement (clockwise or counterclockwise) as the spur gear&#39;s last movement. Clockwise rotation of the cam  58 ′ is limited by the stop post  141 . Specifically, the stop post  141  on the bracket  140  engages the knuckle  90  on the cam  58 ′, thereby stopping clockwise rotation of the cam  58 ′ at the position shown in FIG.  15 B. In this position, the knuckle  90  of the cam is moved out of blocking engagement with the extending leg member  92  of the lock lever  60 , thereby permitting the lock lever to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, against the biasing element  66  (as represented by the phantom lines in FIG. 15B) upon pulling of the lock bar  14  from the housing. As described above, once the distal end  106  of the lock bar clears the claw  80 , the lock lever  60  is urged back to the locked position, by biasing element  66 . 
     After a predetermined time delay (approximately 5-10 seconds), the motor  70  is again activated to drivingly rotate the spur gear  74  in the opposite (counterclockwise) direction so that the cam  58 ′ is carried back to the locked position shown in FIG.  15 A. Thus, the spring  77  provides several functions. Specifically, the spring  77  couples the spur gear  74  to the cam  58 ′ so that when the spur gear is rotated, either clockwise or counterclockwise, the cam is urged in the same direction, with motion of the cam being limited by cam stop means. The spring  77  further urges the spur gear into intermeshed engagement with the worm gear and permits removal of the spur gear from intermeshed engagement in order to adjust positioning of the spur gear. 
     In order to prevent over rotation of the worm gear, a second stop means is provided. Specifically, the worm gear  72  includes a protruding peg  160  which is specifically structured and disposed for engaging the spur gear to limit rotation of the worm gear. More particularly, the spur gear is provided with a notched portion  162  which permits passage of the peg  160  therethrough as the worm gear rotates. Continued rotation of the spur gear, driven by the worm gear, moves the notched portion relative to the peg  160  until, eventually, the stop peg  160  engages the outer face or inner face of the spur gear, adjacent the opposite ends of the notched portion. Thus, rotational movement of the worm gear, as well as the spur gear, is specifically limited in accordance with the size of the notched portion  162  and the distance of travel of the stop peg  160  relative to the notched portion  162 . The stop means defined by the worm gear and spur gear, as well as the cam stop means, serve to specifically control movement of the worm gear  72 , spur gear  74 , and cam  58 ′ so that the gears  72 ,  74 , cam  58 ′ and lever  60  are maintained in proper alignment each time the lock release means  44  is operated between the open and closed positions. More specifically, the cam stop means and the worm gear stop means serve to insure that the cam  58 ′ is moved between locked engagement with the lever and disengagement with the lever, each time the motor  70  is energized to open and close the lock. 
     In order to conserve energy in the power cell  52 , a capacitor  180  is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the capacitor is connected to the PC board  51  in the electronics chamber  40  which also houses the microcontroller  50 . The capacitor  180  extends rearwardly from the PC board, through a hole  181  formed in the dividing wall  76  and into the lock chamber  42 . Conductors  182  interconnect with the PC board  51  and the motor  70  or solenoid  62 , in either of the above-described embodiments, for delivering energy thereto upon actuation of the lock release means  44 . More specifically, upon entry of the proper combination, the motor  70  or solenoid  62  receive an impulse by the capacitor  180  to thereby operate the motor  70  or solenoid  62 , as described above. Use of the capacitor  180  serves to substantially extend the life of the power cell  52 , insuring that the motor  70  or solenoid  62  do not draw energy directly from the power cell  52 . As seen in FIGS. 12A and 15A, the conductors  182  may be fed through a hole  186  in the dividing wall  76  to permit interconnection of the conductors  182  between the PC board  51  and the motor  70  or solenoid  62 . 
     Referring to FIG. 19, a sequence of operation of the electronic components of the lock device  10 ″ is shown in block diagram form, in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 3C and 7. Specifically, this embodiment of the lock device  10 ″ incorporates means for wireless communication with a remote station to allow for changing and/or updating of stored message data and to further enable remote programming and manipulation of data stored on the microcontroller  50 . To facilitate wireless communication, the lock device  10 ″ is provided with a transceiver  200  and antenna  190 . The transceiver is structured to send and receive RF signals, or other wireless signals, between the device  10 ″ and the remote programming station. The transceiver  200  communicates with the microcontroller  50  and the LCD  32 . Thus, encrypted message data, programming data, and other data can be delivered to a plurality of the lock devices  10 ′, by RF communication or other wireless communication means. This facilitates updating, changing and replacing of messages which are stored on the microcontroller and displayed each time the lock device  10 ′ is opened by the user. The provider of the lock device  10 ″ can, thereby, periodically update the data, and manipulate data stored on the microcontroller at selected time intervals (e.g., late in the evening or early in the morning). 
     With the exception of the antenna  190  and transceiver  200 , the remaining components shown in FIG. 19 are found in each of the embodiments of the invention. A power control  220  communicates with the microcontroller  50  to control the supply of power to the remaining components, thereby providing a means for augmenting energy conservation. The power control  220  is located and integrated into the electronics of the device and acts as a switching mechanism to control delivery of electric power to the various electronic components. As depicted in FIG. 19, the power control  220  can simultaneously or independently be switched on or off to control delivery of electric power from the battery  52  (power cell) to the electronic components, including the transceiver  200 , LCD  32 , and electromechanical control  230 , via commands from the microcontroller  50 . In particular, the transceiver  200 , when energized via prescribed commands from the microcontroller  50 , is allocated a predetermined time frame in order to receive wireless communication signals which are directed to the device from a remote source (e.g., a provider of the lock). This is accomplished by a timing circuit  240  which contains crystal for keeping extremely accurate time. 
     The timing circuit  240  tracks time, in accordance with the time zone location of the device, so that the microcontroller can command the transceiver  200  to “wake up” at the prescribed times for receiving signals. Thereafter, the transceiver returns to a sleep mode so that power is not drained from the battery  52 . If necessary, an adjustment or resetting of the time kept by the timer  240  can be accomplished via wireless data inputs received through the transceiver  200  from the remote source. In the event the device  10  is relocated to a different time zone, wherein the transceiver  200  would otherwise not be awakened to receive signals, a prescribed longer receiving envelope is allowed. In this instance, the microcontroller would awaken the transceiver  200  for an extended period in order to receive signals in the new time zone. This extended receiving envelope allows the device to receive data transmitted in the new time zone. When the new data is assimilated, the microcontroller  50  resets the internal clock  240  to the new time zone and applies the additional data appropriately and returns the transceiver  200  to the sleep mode. Alternatively, the time, tracked by the timer  240 , can be reset to the new time zone via wireless commands or hard wired commands at the time of transfer, in which case the microcontroller  50  will command the transceiver to be energized (i.e., awakened) at the prescribed time within that particular time zone, thereby ensuring that the signals from the remote source are received. 
     The LCD  32  is energized by the power control  220  at prescribed intervals, as allocated by commands by the microcontroller  50 . This further serves to conserve power, thereby extending the life of the battery  52 . 
     The capacitor  180  is supplied with a prescribed level of electric energy at prescribed times through the power control  220 , via commands from the microcontroller  50 . Upon completion of entry of the correct combination code, the microcontroller commands the electromechanical control  230  to release electrical energy to the solenoid  62  or motor  70 , in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention as described above. Thus, the electromechanical control  230  acts as a switching mechanism that takes commands from the microcontroller  50  and allows dispersement of the stored energy from the capacitor, all at once, to the electromechanical device  62 ,  70 . With respect to the motor  70 , the electromechanical control  230  is structured to send the stored supply of electric energy from the capacitor  180  to the motor  70  for clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. Thus, control of the direction of electric current flow to the motor  70  by the electromechanical control  230 , via commands from the microcontroller  50 , serves to operate the motor to rotate the motor shaft and worm gear in the required clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction. 
     FIG. 20 illustrates a sequence of operational steps, in the programmed logic, for programming a PIN code which overlays the factory code. FIG. 21 illustrates a sequence of operational steps, in accordance with the programmed logic on the microcontroller, for entering and identifying a correct code to open the lock device  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″, in each of the embodiments thereof. 
     While the instant invention has been shown and described in accordance with preferred and practical embodiments thereof, it is recognized that departures may be made from the instant disclosure which, therefore, should not be limited except as set forth in the following claims as interpreted under the doctrine of equivalents.