GB2205126A - An electronic time lock - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic time lock (4) comprising control means (10) and time delay means, the control means being such as to control operation of the electronic time lock by a programme. <IMAGE>

Description

AN ELECTRONIC TIME LOCK This invention relates to an electronic time lock.

Accordingly, this invention provides an electronic time lock comprising control means and time delay means, the control means being such as to control operation of the electronic time lock by a programme.

The time delay means may have a first time delay means which is required for human activity periods. These human activity periods may be, for example, those time delays required to enable personnel to have lunch breaks or to cope with stress periods. The first time delay means may be effective to override normal operation of the electronic time lock. The first time delay means may be operated by pressing a button which will then cause the lock to shut.

The first time delay means may be of a presetable length which may be preset by switches. Usually the first time delay means will be only presetable within predetermined limits.

The time delay means may include second time delay means which operates consequent upon operation of a key or combination for the purposes of opening a security enclosure provided with the electronic time lock. Any type of security enclosure such for example as a safe or a strongroom may be provided with the electronic time lock.

The second time delay means may operate to give an extra period of time before the security enclosure can be opened, thus providing an additional period of time for frustrating a potential raider.

Usually, the first time delay means will give a longer opening time than the second time delay means. It is preferred that the electronic time lock includes both the first time delay means and the second time delay means but, if desired, one or other of the first and the second time delay means may be used on their own.

The electronic time lock may be one in which the control means includes the programme, and in which at least a part of the programme is input into the control means by programming means which is separable from the electronic time lock. Thus, the control means can be programmed on installation of the electronic time lock and it can also subsequently be programmed by, for example, a senior official responsible for operation of an installation provided with the electronic time lock. Day to day operators of the electronic time lock requiring access to installations provided with the electronic time lock need to have no control over the opening time of the electronic time lock.

This provides a safety feature for such persons because there is little point in potential criminals kidnapping or otherwise accosting such persons for a key to the electronic time lock when that person has absolutely no control over when the electronic time lock will open.

If desired, the control means may be completely pre-programmed so that, for example, it is not normally programmable at will on site. Where at least a part of the programme is input into the control means by the separable programming means and where the electronic time lock includes two clock means, one clock means may be programmed by the programming device to put time into the clock means, and the other clock means may be a pre-programmed chip which acts as a real time clock module.

The control means and the programming means preferably have recognition codes which, unless recognised and cleared, will prevent the programming device programming the control unit. This facility thus stops any attempt to operate the electronic time lock using another programming device such for example as might occur with an electronically minded criminal who had been able to acquire a programming device.

Usually, the electronic time lock will be one which is normally operated by a key and/or a combination.

The electronic time lock may be one in which the control means is such as to prevent the electronic time lock being programmed to a permanently locked position.

The control means may be effective to instigate an emergency shut down in the event of an attempt to cause the lock to remain permanently shut, the control means being such as automatically to select an opening time which overrides the permanently shut command, and the control means also being such as automatically to cause visual and/or audible alarm means to operate to draw attention to the fact that the emergency shut down procedure has been instigated.

The alarm means may be arranged to operate until such time as a correcting procedure is effected. Normally, the automatically picked opening time will be such as not to coincide with a bank holiday. The facility of preventing the electronic time lock from being programmed to a permanently locked position helps to discourage and hinder criminals such for example as employees who might think of absconding with money or other valuables from a security installation provided with the electronic time lock, and then leave the electronic time lock permanently shut in order to cause the maximum delay before the security installation can be opened and the theft thus discovered.

The control.meansmay be effective always automatically to shut the lock if the lock has not been set. Thus, for example, the electronic time lock can be arranged to shut at any predetermined time, for example midnight, to cover for the case where an employee may have forgotten to set the electronic time lock in its closed mode.

Preferably, the control means comprises computer means and memory means. The computer means is preferably a UART computer. The memory means preferably comprises a read only memory and a random access memory.

The first time delay means may include a button operated switch. A lever or other device could however be utilised.

The electronic time lock will usually be such that it includes a control panel. The control panel will usually have a plurality of function keys.

The control panel may have the following function keys: (a) a Monday function key, (b) a Tuesday function key, (c) a Wednesday function key, (d) a Thursday function key, (e) a Friday function key, (f) a Saturday function key, (g) a Sunday function key, (h) a British Standard Time function key, and (i) a Greenwich Mean Time function key.

The Sunday function key may be disconnected if desired.

The control panel may' include a display window for displaying the time.

The control panel may also have the following further function keys: (j) a set function key, and (k) a delete function key.

The electronic time lock will usually include an input socket for enabling the programming device to be connected to the control unit.

The electronic time lock will usually include an arrester mechanism for arresting movement of a lock bolt, for example a safe or a strong-room bolt. The lock bolt arresting mechanism can be of various constructions, such for example as disclosed in our United Kingdom patent No.2114204,2135380 and 2117823. The disclosure of these United Kingdom patents is included herein by reference.

The electronic time lock may include one or more batteries. The battery or batteries are then available for use in a backup situation such for example as when there may have been a mains power failure. The electronic time lock may be solely battery operated or solely mains operated if desired.

The electronic time lock may include condition indicator means for positioning on the outside of a security container provided with the electronic time lock, the condition indicator means including a microphone for providing audible sound during one or more conditions of the electronic time lock.

The condition-indicator means may include a start indicator light for indicating when a door to the security enclosure is required to be opened, a door available indicatorliglitfor indicating when the door is able to be opened, and a mains shut down indicator light for indicating when mains electricity is not operating. Advantageously, the mains shut down indicator light is arranged to flash when the batteries are run down and need recharging or replacing.

The condition indicator means may also include a volume control for controlling the volume of the sound emitted from the microphone.

The present invention also extends to the combination of the electronic time lock and the programming means.

The invention further extends to a security enclosure when provided with the electronic time lock of the invention.

The security enclosure may be a safe or a strong room. Other types of security enclosure may also be provided with the electronic time lock.

The security enclosure may be a security enclosure of the type disclosed in our United Kingdom patent No.2157363, in which the security enclosure comprises an inner compartment fixed within an outer compartment, the inner and the outer compartment each having their own door. One or both doors could then be arranged to operate under the control of the electronic time lock of the present invention. Single compartment security enclosures can obviously also be provided with the electronic time lock of the invention. The disclosure in our United Kingdom Patent Application No. 2157363 is included herein by reference.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a security enclosure in the form of a safe with its door open, the door being provided with a first electronic time lock; Figure 2 shows the safe of Figure 1 with its door closed; Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part of the first electronic time lock as shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the electrical circuit employed in the first electronic time lock; Figure 5 shows in block diagram form a second electronic time lock; Figure 6 shows the second electronic time lock as installed on the inner face of a door of a safe, strong room or other security enclosure; Figure 7 shows the part of the second time lock installed on the front of the door shown in Figure 6; and Figure 8 illustrates the programmed operation of the second electronic time lock.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown a security enclosure in the form of a safe 2 which is provided with an electronic time lock 4. The safe 2 has a body portion 6 and a door 8. Figure 1 shows the door 8 in an open position, whilst Figure 2 shows the door in a closed position.

The inside of the door 8 is provided with the majority of the lock 4. The lock 4 has control means in the form of a control unit 10 which is programmable by a programming device (not shown). The programming device is separable from the lock 4 so that the programming device is removable after the control unit 10 has been programmed to a users requirements. The control unit and the programming devicehaverecognition codes which, unless cleared, prevent the programming-device from programming the control unit. The programming device may operate in any generally known programmable mode.

As shown from Figure 2, the lock 4 includes a rotateable handle 12 and a key operated lock part 14 which is operated by means of a key 16.

The control unit 10 is such that it is able to prevent the lock 4 being programmed to a permanently locked position. The control unit 10 is effective to instigate an emergency shut down procedure in the event of an attempt to cause the lock 4 to remain permanently shut. The control unit 10 is thus able automatically to select an opening time which over-rides the permanent shut down command.

The control unit 10 is effective always automatically to shut the lock 4 if the lock 4 has not been set to close.

The lock 4 includes a short term locking control device in the form of a button. The short term locking control device can be employed for setting the lock 4 for short intervals such for example as lunch breaks.

As can be seen from Figures 1 and 3, the control unit 10 has a control panel 18. As shown, the control panel 18 has a plurality of function keys. It will thus be seen from the control panel 18 that there are the following function keys: (a) a Monday function key, (b) a Tuesday function key, (c) a Wednesday function key, (d) a Thursday function key, (e) a Friday function key, (f) a Saturday function key, (g) a Sunday function key, (h) a British Standard Time (BST) function key, (i) a Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) function key, (0) a set function key, and (k) a delay function key.

The above mentioned function keys will readily be identified from the appropriate shortened wording above the various keys as can be seen in Figure 3. As also can be seen from Figure 3, there is an off device section marked with the word OFF, and also aprogrammer input socket 20 for enabling the programming device to be connected to the control unit 10. The OFF button can be pressed in the event that, for example, the lock 4 should have been set with the safe bolt part of the lock in its outward locking position, but with the door 8 open. In this case, it would obviously not be possible to close the door 8. Depression of the OFF button then enables the situation to be corrected. In certain circumstances the OFF button may also be operated, to enable the release of any person accidently locked in the safe.

The control panel 18 is also provided with a light sensor 22. When the door 8 is open, various lights on the control panel 18 will be on. However, when the door 8 is closed, the control panel 18 will not be visible so there is no need to have these lights on. Thus, when the door is closed, it becomes dark inside the safe 2 and the light sensor 22 senses the absence of light. The light sensor 22 then switches the lights off. As the door 8 is opened, the light sensor 22 will sense light from the surrounding environment and will allow the lights required on the control panel 18 to come on. Thus the light sensor 22 is effective to conserve power.

It will also be seen from Figures 1 and 3 that the control panel 18 includes a display panel 24 for giving the time. The display panel 24 forms part of a first clock. A second clock (not shown) in the form of a pre-programmed chip acting as a real time clock module may be employed.

Figure 1 illustrates part of the lock-bolt arrester mechanism and this mechanism includes a housing 26, a sliding bolt 28 and a pivoting arm 30. As can also be seen from Figure 1, the lock 4 is provided with a housing 32 for containing one or more batteries for use in the event of a mains power failure. The various electrical connections between the control unit 10 and the'housings 26,32 are made via ribbon cables 34,36,38,40,42 as shown.

As can be seen from Figure 2, when the door 8 is closed, the only part of the lock 4 that is visible is a condition indicator means 44 which includes a microphone 46 for emitting an audible sound during any desired and appropriate sound-emitting modes of the lock 4. The condition indicator means 44 includes a start indicator light 48 for indicating when it is desired to open the door 8, a door available for opening indicator light 50 for indicating when the door 8 is available to be opened, and a mains shut down indicator light 52, In the event that the battery or batteries in the housing 32 should become run down or otherwise defective, the mains shut down indicator light 52 is arranged to flash thus giving a warning that the battery or batteries need recharging or renewing.

The condition indicator means 44 is also provided with a volume control knob 54 for adjusting the volume of sound emitted from the microphone 46.

Referring now especially to Figure 4, there is shown schematically how the control unit 10 controls the various functions of the lock 4. Thus, moving in an anticlockwise direction, it will be seen that the control unit 10 receives information from and/or provides information to a door key sensor 61, a condition indicator 62 and a variable audio indicator 63. The condition indicator 62 and the variable audio indicator 63 may be located in an indicator box 63a. Also shown in Figure 4 is a dual control 64 and a position sensor 65. These two components 64,65 may be regarded as being an electronic lock part 65a.

The lock 4 as shown in Figure 4 further includes an internal calender 66, a signal output 67, an external time clock 68, the BST control 69, the GMT control 70, and day keys 71 and function keys 72. The daykeys71 and the function keys 72 form what may be regarded as a keyboard 72a.

Also shown are a first external control 73 and a second external control 74. These two external controls may form part of a plug 74a. Further shown in Figure 4 is a programmable input 75 and key state light emitting diodes 76.

The lock 4 enables the door 8 of the safe 2 to be shut for any desired length of time by an operator who does not have the programming device. Thus the day to day operator of the safe 2 does not have to have a key, a programming device or any other means of over-riding the operation of the safe 2. Time delay means (not shown) forming part of the lock 2 is provided in the control panel 18 containing the control device 10. Sensor means (not shown) for the time delay means is positioned behind the housing 26. In the event of a criminal entering an establishment such for example as a sub-Post Office or a bank, there is no point in the criminal trying to obtain safe keys or the combination to the safe. The lock 4 will keep the safe 2 shut until such time as the programmed time lapses, including time set on the second time delay means.

Referring now to Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8, similar parts as in Figures 1 and 2 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.

In Figures 5 to 8, it will be seen that the lock 4 has a control device 10 which comprises a UART computer 80, a read only memory 82 and a random access memory 84. In addition to having a first clock including the display panel 24, Figure 5 shows second clock means in the form of a real time calender chip 86. The clock module which includes the display panel 24 is shown in Figure 5 as clock module 88. The clock module 88 provides a real time function. The clock module 88 may be provided in a unit 90 which houses in addition a dual time function and memory arrangement 92. The UART computer 80, the read only memory 82 and the random access memory 84 may be housed in a unit 94.

A hand programming device 96 having keys 98 is provided for inputting desired command programmes into the units 90,94 as shown in Figure 5.

A key lock sensor 100 is connected to the computer 80 as shown. Similarly, push keys 102 such as are shown in Figure 3 are connected as shown to the computer 80. Also connected to the computer 80 is the condition indicator means 44.

The computer 80 connects to drive means 104 which drives as illustrated a motor 106 forming part of lock bolt arrester means 108. The lock bolt arrester means 108 also includes a rod 110 which is spring biased by a spring 112 into a tube 114 where it blocks the passage of a rod 116.

The rod 116 is shown in Figure 6 and it will be seen that the rod 116 is pivotally engaged by means of a pivot 118 to bolt work 120 attached to the door 8. Thus, if the rod 116 cannot move in the tube 114 due to the blocking action of the rod 110, then the bolt work 120 cannot be slid backwardly by rotating a handle 122, see Figure 7.

Rotation of the handle 122 causes an arm 124 to pivot and this arm 124 rotates in a recess 126 in a bolt member 128 forming part of the bolt work 120. Obviously, if the bolt work 120 cannot move, then the handle 122 cannot be rotated and the bolt work cannot be released from its locking position in which the members 130 engage in keeper recesses (not shown) in the safe body surrounding the opening for the door 8.

Also shown in Figure 6 is second time delay means 32 which can be a motor such as the motor 106 or a solenoid for moving a rod 134 into and out of a recess 136 in the bolt member 128 for additionally blocking the movement of the bolt work 120. The time delay means 132 can be arranged to operate consequent upon the key lock sensor 100 sensing a key being placed in the safe keyhole and being turned to open the safe so that a further relatively small time delay may then be provided before the safe 'or other security enclosure can opened, thus providing extra security.

When the bolt work 120 is able to slide backwards to enable the door 8 to be opened, then bolt members 138, 140 slide between guide members 142.

Figure 8 illustrates how the electronic time lock shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7 operates. It will be seen that Figure 8 illustrates at the top a programmable closed time locked mode, together with an open enable (EN) mode starting EN2M within EN1X slot. In the middle of Figure 8, there is illustrated an EN2M delay locked mode, together with a start EN3S after EN2M delay. At the bottom of Figure 8 there is illustrated an EN3S time opening mode, together with a bolt release time slot, when the safe door is openable.The first and the second electronic time locks of-the present invention may be regarded as operating such that the overall time period can be defined and altered both in length and position in time, within predetermined limits programmed in by one or more removable programming devices 96, by the user, by means of appropriate timed switching. The timed switching may be mechanical and electronic. The electronic time lock may be separated into a control unit function and a lock function and these two parts may be sold together or separately. The present invention extends to the two parts in their separate and in their combined forms.

During specified time periods, functions of the delay device are available, giving as many locking and unlocking sequences as requested within the specified time period. The time period continues until new parameters are entered and have been accepted by the time setting unit.

The dimensions of the time lock may be arranged to match standard equipment. The time lock may be in two modules which may be split and fitted where convenient, for ease of operation and to suit bolt work geometry.

Operation keys may be such as to give GMT and BST.

The keys may be used every six months and they may be only effective for 5 weekends. The computer may effect automatic change at 2400 hours on the fifth Saturday if no manual request is made. There is no indication of the condition.

Monday to Sundays keys will normally be used to set up a weekly requirement of openings, but they can be used at will. The keys will not need to be altered for most weeks of the year.

A set key may be in normal daily use to lock the security equipment until the next pre-set opening shown by the Monday to Sunday indicators.

A delay key may give an additional delay time of from 5 to 55 minutes as required at the time of installation. The delay key can be used for lunch or stress situations or to over-ride the automatic set. The delay key may be regarded as forming part of first time delay means which advantageously gives a short audio tone when the delay is completed.

An OFF key can be used to cancel the delay or set functions. The OFF key enables the time delay to be over ridden if the bolt work has been thrown with the door open.

Again no visual indication is given.

The clock will normally be set on installation and the clock may have a first function as a time piece and a second function of informing the computer when the next operation is due.

Light emitting diodes light up to indicate when a function requested is accepted or cancelled. An audio sound is given as a further means of indicating that the key has been activated. The light sensitive device, for example 22, switches the indicators on only when the door is open, so conserving power. This is especially advantageous if the equipment is battery powered.

The programming input socket (or another socket) may be available to accept special devices held by designated persons only. One such special device may give the following functions.

1. To obtain a full print out of all the parameters set in the computer on installation.

2. To obtain a daily record of all openings made in the last 7 days.

A second such special device may give the functions; 3. To set the clock modules to indicate the time.

4. To adjust the time lock opening at crown and sorting offices. Other devices may be employed to give other functions if desired.

The second time delay means may be set for between land 15 minutes delay and it operates every time the equipment is used. If the bolt work is not opened within 15 seconds at the end of the delay, it will automatically relock.

Setting is via switches, except that software controls the timing.

Whenever a key is turned to lock the bolt work, the equipment will automatically perform a locking cycle regardless of the condition of the lock or the time delay.

The opening time is preset on installation and can only be changed by an authorized or instructed person with the appropriate programming device. The preset time may be specified by, for example, a post office. If desired, on some crown and sorting offices, a manual adjustment can be made but only within very strict limits.

After the time delay has completed its function, the door may be opened. Should the door be left open for more than the time specified, an audible warning will persist until the door is closed.

Should an operator fail to operate the SET key, the equipment will automatically set the time lock in the locked mode at the time specified by the post office or other establishments. On one or two days a week, the time can be brought forward to accommodate early closing.

In the case of late balancing, automatic setting can be put back by use of the DEL key in one hour increments to 2300 hours, when the electronic time lock will no longer accept the instruction. At midnight, the electronic time lock will automatically lock until the next preset opening time.

If an operator attempts to lock the security equipment with the keys not properly set (ie attempts to lock the equipment such that it will not reopen) the electronic time lock will give visual and audible warnings of the error.

Should the operator persist in shutting the equipment in that condition, the electronic time lock will go into an emergency mode and will only reopen on preset days chosen by appropriate personnel. Whilst in the emergency mode, the electronic time lock will give a continuos audible and visual indication via the condition indicator means 44.

In the SET condition, a listening device becomes operational. Any attempt to insert the operating key or attack the security equipment will place the electronic time lock in its emergency mode and, if required, will activate additional external alarm systems.

The electronic time lock is arranged to be operable from a power supply unit. Indication is given on the condition indicator means 44 when a battery change is required. If the unit has been disconnected from its power source, it will reopen when connected (a) by time delay if reconnected between preset opening and autoset opening times in daytime; and (b) at the next preset opening if reconnected between autoset and preset times at night time.

It will be appreciated from the drawings that the locking assembly completely blocks the safe or other security enclosure actuating rod and the arrangement is such as to be resistant to velocity and vibration forms of attack.

The electronic time lock may be regarded as a device for the conditional time delayed temporary relief of a block or a similar obstruction to the movement of any bolt operated security equipment via a key or combination lock and sensor, electronic circuits such as a clock module and a URAT computer, with its associated memories and motor device activated within a predetermined time element, for example EN1H.

The extremes of ENI are loaded into the clock module dual time unit 92 in part by a temporarily connected hand held programming device 96, and by the UART computer 80 through the memories 82, 84.

An adjustable time delay programme EN2M is available within the confines of EN1. This adjustable time delay programme is initiated by the key or combination lock sensor 100 which, when completed, begins a second stored predetermined time delay EN3S. Thus the removal and the automatic replacement of the bolt work obstruction or obstructions is such that the equipment is totally secure immediately the door is closed, whether the lock or locks have been operated or not.

The electronic time lock may thus be regarded as a device for the pre-conditional (EN3S) releasing of an obturator for blocking security equipment bolt work upon opening of a main lock of the security equipment, dependent upon an electronically activated motorised bolt-blocking plunger. The opening needs to conform to a pre-defined time period (EN1H) and the opening is via the key lock and sensor and two electronic control circuits typified by the clock module and the UART computer, with associated memories. The time constraint EN1H is introduced into the clock module dual time function and memory arrangement 92 by the programming device 96 and subsequently by the UART computer 80 through the memories.Within the time constraint EN1H, an adjustable stored delayed locking programme EN2M is initiated by the key lock and sensor which, upon completion automatically starts a pre-defined delay of a second stored time programme ENDS.Within the said time opening delay, this engagement and re-engagement of the bolt blocking, plunger may take place, thus providing access to security equipment.

The dual time function and memory arrangement 92 may be a multi function unit with only two functions used.

As indicated above, the programming device 96 can be employed to input the start of EN1H. The computer 80 has the same information the clock then tells the computer 80 when to start and the computer 80 then tells the clock when to start again. The computer 80 can automatically be set in a factory with its start information. A customer can provide the finish information or this information can be fixed. The clock module 88 and the UART computer 80 are coupled for the transfer of information as indicated in Figure 5.

The real time calender chip 86 is provided in case there is a power failure. The real time calender chip 86 can then update the computer 80 and the clock module 88 to a real time position, in other words to re-orientate them. In the absence of a power failure, this provision of the real time position will be done by the programming device 96. The electronic time lock may thus have a nominated time period which is not alterable but a user can alter perimeters at any time within the nominated time period. Thus the electronic time lock is not normally cyclic in operation. It may only be regarded as cyclic in its emergency mode. In its normal mode of operation, the electronic time lock provides extreme flexibility for the customer.More specifically, the electronic time lock can store three time programmes such that EN1H is variable by the user, EN2M is variable by the user, and EN3S is usually fixed but can be hidden from the user. The user can alter the length and the position of EN1H.

In Figure 5, the push keys 102 will usually be employed to enter the day of the week. They enable the customer to select various desired perameters, for example when to omit operation of the electronic time lock on a bank holiday.

The drive means 104 may comprise two relays. A first relay may be employed for opening the motor 106.

A second relay may be employed for shutting the motor 106.

The electronic time lock operates on demand rather than cyclicly. The electronic time lock thus operates to give a variable delay cycle at the users discretion. The electronic time lock is intended to give a user an infinitely variable selection from a single selected programme. In other words, there is one fixed programme within which the user is intended to have a substantially infinitely variable choice. There is thus one programme in a given time period and in this programme, the user can operate substantially at will. The memory or memories employed in the electronic time lock store multi-functions, the majority of which are operator selectable singly or at will. The time lock may be regarded as being an electronic time lock having a computerised time delay and an operator variable or preprogrammed function.

It will be appreciated from the above description with reference to the drawings that the time delay means may be a first time delay and/or a second time delay. The first time delay may be one which is required for human activity periods such for example as lunch hours and stress periods. When the first time delay is activated, it may be arranged to override substantially everything in the time lock. The first time delay can be simply activated by an operator pressing a button and then the electronic time lock will shut for the period of the first time delay. The first time delay may be presettable by switches and it can be varied in length as may be desired, usually within predetermined parameters.

The second time delay may be a time delay which operates from when an opening motion of the lock by means of a key or a combination is commenced. This additional time delay between mechanically operating the safe or other security enclosure mechanism, and the safe or other security enclosure actually opening is provided for additional security, for example to cause raiders to have to wait even more time before they can gain entrance into the security enclosure.

Preferably, the electronic lock has both the first and the second time delays. If desired, the second time delay may be omitted in some circumstances.

The software may be such that if the electronic time lock shuts down for any reason, then the electronic time lock will remember the last seven days events and will record them when requested to do so via a printer/retrieval unit. The electronic time lock will then carry on as if nothing had happened, and information can then be cancelled in a normal manner.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the safe 2 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is a simple one compartment safe but the safe 2 could alternatively be a two compartment safe of the type disclosed generally in our United Kingdom patent No. 2157363, the disclosure of which is included herein by-reference as stated above. Security enclosures other than safes may also be provided with the locks 4.

The locks 4 can be arranged to be used in conjunction with or in replacement of separate known time locks including mechanical time locks and electro-mechanical time locks.

The locks 4 can be arranged to give one or more time delay periods and, if more than one time delay period is given, then these time delay periods may be arranged to operate consecutively one after each other. Thus, for example, the time locks may be set with time periods as generally disclosed in our United Kingdom patent Nos. 2135380 and 2117823, the disclosure of which both patent specifications is incorporated herein by reference.

It will be seen from the above description that the invention provides an electronic combined time lock and time delay that is very easily operated by a user but which has a high degree of security. The lock can be programmed in a wide variety of ways for predetermined periods, for example a period of one week or longer, with the electronic locking bolt being driven backwards and forwards as desired to allow the safe or other security enclosure door to be opened.

The present invention also extends to any novel integer or step or combination of integers or steps as disclosed herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings. For example, the electronic time lock may be such as to omit the time delay means, in which case, the electronic time lock then just comprises the control means.

Claims (18)

1. An electronic time lock comprising control means and time delay means, the control means being such as to control operation of the electronic time lock by a programme.

2. An electronic time lock according to claim 1 in which the time delay means has a first time delay means which gives a first time delay required for human activity periods.

3. An electronic time lock according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the time delay means has a second time delay means which gives a time delay which commences consequent upon operation of a key or combination for the purpose of opening a security enclosure provided with the electronic time lock.

4. An electronic time lock according to any one of the preceding claims in which the control means includes the programme, and in which at least a part of the programme is input into the control means by programming means which is separable from the electronic time lock.

5. An electronic time lock according to any one of the preceding claims in which the control means is such as to prevent the electronic time lock being programmed to a permanently locked position.

6. An electronic time lock according to any one of the preceding claims in which the control means is effected to instigate an emergency shut down in the event of an attempt to cause the lock to remain permanently shut, the control means being such as automatically to select an opening time which overrides the permanently shut command, and the control means also being such as to automatically to cause visual and/or audible alarm means to operate to draw attention to the fact that the emergency shut down procedure-has been instigated.

7. An electronic time lock according to any one of the preceding claims in which the control means is effective always automatically to shut the lock if the lock haS not been set.

8. An electronic time lock according to any one of the preceding claims in which the control means comprises computer means and memory means.

9. An electronic control lock according to claim 8 in which the computer means is a UART computer.

10. An electronic time lock according to any one of the preceding claims and including a control panel having a plurality of function keys.

11. An electronic time lock according to any one of the preceding claims and including an arrester mechanism for arresting movement of a lock bolt.

12. An electronic time lock according to any one of the preceding claims and which is mains and/or battery operated.

13. An electronic time lock according to any one of the preceding claims and including condition indicator means for positioning on the outside of a security container provided with the electronic time lock, the condition indicator means including a microphone for providing audible sound during one or more conditions of the electronic time lock.

14. An electronic time lock according to any one of the preceding claims and including listening means for placing the electronic time lock in an emergency mode in the event that sound is heard emanating from an attack on the electronic time lock.

15. An electronic time lock substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

16. The combination of the electronic time lock as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and the programming means.

17. A security enclosure when provided with the electronic time lock as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15.

18. A security enclosure according to claim 17 and which'is a safe or a strong-room.