초록 ▼

A programmable time lock includes a microprocessor, which senses the angular position of a key shaft via a sensor/encoder. The microprocessor includes ROM and RAM memory circuits, a timer, and a clock, and it can activate a stepper motor to control the position of a detent pin. The microprocessor is

A programmable time lock includes a microprocessor, which senses the angular position of a key shaft via a sensor/encoder. The microprocessor includes ROM and RAM memory circuits, a timer, and a clock, and it can activate a stepper motor to control the position of a detent pin. The microprocessor is also connected to a display, which has fields for hours, minutes and seconds, as well as for the days of the week, for a cursor for each day, and for a low-power indicator. System time, as well as opening times for the lock may be set and changed simply by turning the key according to predefined routines. A method for operating the lock includes sets of steps for each of several routines: setting real time, setting opening times for each selected day of the week, and specialty routines including adding an intermediate opening time, cancelling the opening time for selected days, adjusting the system time, for example to change to or from daylight savings time, and verifying the version of the time lock in use. For all routines, the user first arms the lock by turning the key, and then selects a routine and enters the desired parameters by turning the key either continuously clockwise or counter-clockwise (to increment or decrement times or days) or by turning it back and forth to switch routines. In most routines, leaving the key stationary is used to signal acceptance of entered data.

대표청구항 ▼

A programmable time lock comprising: a processor having two modes operation－a program mode and an armed mode; memory connected to said processor for storing information used by said processor, including one or more unlocking days and times; a rotatable key shaft for removably receiving a key; a key

A programmable time lock comprising: a processor having two modes operation－a program mode and an armed mode; memory connected to said processor for storing information used by said processor, including one or more unlocking days and times; a rotatable key shaft for removably receiving a key; a key shaft position sensor connected to said key shaft and electrically connected to said processor for supplying said processor with signals indicating said shaft\s angular position; a key shaft rotation encoder connected to said key shaft and electrically connected to said processor for supplying said processor with signals indicating said shaft\s rotational direction; a detent pin, with an armed locking position and a disarmed unlocking position, which is armed when said key shaft is rotated in a predetermined direction and is disarmed at unlocking days and times; an electrically operated latch connected to said detent pin and to said processor for holding said detent pin in the armed position and for releasing said detent pin upon receiving an unlocking signal from said processor; a display, connected to said processor, containing a series of display fields; a timing device electrically connected to said processor which permits said processor to track a system day and time and passage of time; said processor, when operating in said program mode, modifies the system day and time or one or more of the unlocking days and times in response to the signals from said key position sensor and said key rotation encoder; and said processor, when operating in said armed mode, activates said latch to release said detent pin when the system day and time equals one of the unlocking days and times.