US2762952A

US2762952A - Sequence type electrical combination lock

Info

Publication number: US2762952A
Authority: US
Inventors: Henry H Bruderlin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1952-04-11
Filing date: 1952-04-11
Publication date: 1956-09-11
Anticipated expiration: 1973-09-11

Description

Sept 1I, 19u56 l H. H. BRUDERLIN SEQUENCE TYPE ELECTRICAL COMBINATION LOCK Filed April ll. 1952 f/ E m United States Patent O SEQUENCE TYPE ELESIIICAL COMBINATION Henry H. Bruderlin, Beverly Hills, Calif.

Application April 11, 1952, Serial No. 281,921

2 Claims. (Cl. 317-134) This invention relates to combination lock systems for preventing operation of a device by any but authorized personnel.

It generally consists of an electrical-sequence type combination lock system of the kind in which a plurality of circuits must be closed in a predetermined order and combination so as to actuate a sequence type masterswitch actuator through successive stages thereof and ultimately cause it to close an energizing circuit through an electromagnetic transducer. The transducer may be adapted to operate a plunger, a rotor, a mechanical movement or an electrical, extraneous circuit or an electrical device.

In order to adapt this general concept to actuate closure-locks, ignition locks, firing device locks, chainreaction generators and other instrumentalities the operation of which is restricted to authorized personnel, the preferred form of the invention makes use of an electromechanical transducer associated with the ultimate plunger, rotor, mechanical movement or extraneous electrical circuit that controls the operation of the closure, engine, gun, or atomic pile. The transducer of course includes an electromagnetic means having a magnet winding connected to an energy source; and an electromagnet actuating circuit in series with this winding and with the source, and associated with the sequence-type master switch-actuator. This circuit is associated with the aforesaid actuator by an actuating switch adapted to be closed by the actuators reaching its final position.

The master switch-actuator is moved into its final position in a series of steps of movements inparted thereto by mechanical means repeatedly actuated by the successive closing of energizing switches in circuits in series with the source and with electro-magnetic means for operating said mechanical means. The configuration is such that these switches must be closed in a predetermined order and combination known only to authorized personnel in order to move the switch-actuator into its final position and thereby close the circuit through the electromechanical transducer.

In one of the presently contemplated embodiments, the master switch-actuator consists of a torsion-loaded rotor sequentially movable into its final position by means of a ratchet on the rotor or drum and a pawl associated with a solenoid, operated by a plurality of mutually independent series stepping circuits each having a finger switch successively closable according to a predetermined combination-code to bring an actuator or button on the drum finally into circuit closing contact with the juxtaposed transducer-activating switch. A drum-actuatable, shorting type switch is provided in each of the plurality of circuits for successive actuation by buttons peripherally and axially spaced at predetermined intervals on the periphery of the drum. The finger-switches and the drum actuatable switches are of course in series in each of these circuits so that both must be closed to complete the respective circuits.

Thus, closing the corresponding finger switch will com- Patented Sept. 11, 1956 plete a circuit through the stepping solenoid and rotate the drum to its next position, so that actuation of the finger-switches through the full combination sequence to its final position will cause the final actuator on the drum to close the circuit that energizes the electromechanical transducer and move the ultimate plunger, rotor, or mechanical movement, or close the extraneous electrical circuit.

After the last linger switch in the combination-sequence has been pressed and released and the latch or the like retracted or otherwise moved to release the closure or activate the extraneous electrical circuit, other means automatically re-set the device to its starting position for the next operation of the device. To this end circuits are provided whereby the release of the last 1inger-switch pressed will open the last circuit remaining closed through the solenoid of the stepping relay, inactivating same and allowing the stepping pawl-spring associated therewith to withdraw the pawl from association with the drums ratchet. Movement of the drum to its final position in response to actuation of the last finger switch in the sequence establishes a circuit which eiifects retraction of the plunger of the release solenoid and inactivation of the drums counter-rotation preventing pawl connected thereto. After the stepping pawl is withdrawn, the drum-return torsion spring associated with the drum then rotates the drum in counter-direction and into its original attitude wherein the latch-retracting circuit, for example, is in open condition and the latch or the like extends into the socket in the closure-jamb- Unless the proper finger-switch is actuated, the drumtype master switch-actuator returns automatically to its zero position or remains inactive. For, if the improper button operating a finger-switch is pressed, a circuit is established through the closed branch of the shorting-type switch connected to this button-switch, and through the lock-in switch and circuit of the release solenoid to withdraw its pawl from the drums ratchet. Therefore, unless the drum is still in the initial or zero position, it will be freed to return thereto in response to the force of its torsion spring.

If a correct finger-switch is pressed along with one which is not in proper combination sequence with the first-said switch, whichever finger-switch is pressed first kicks the other ofic the line. Thus, the circuit legs of the erroneous finger-switch circuit will, if it is closed just ahead of the correct switch, act to effect the same unlocking action on the stepping solenoid and the same returning action will be applied to the drum by its torsionspring. On the other hand, if the correct switch is closed first, the closing of the erroneous switch will have no effect.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the principles of the invention are equally applicable to restrict to authorized personnel only, the actuation of any sort of electro-mechanical transducer which may reciprocate, rotate, or otherwise move its core to unlock a closure, close an external electrical or hydraulic circuit, or operate a mechanical movement. It thus is adapted to lock a closure, such as a house door or bank vault; lock an ignition system in any type of ignition-combustion engine, and prevent operation of secret or dangerous devices the operation of which is restricted to authorized personnel.

Since the number and location of the actuators or buttons on the drum may be easily changed at will, it is apparent that the invention provides a combination lock in which the number of digits in the combination as well as their sequence may be readily altered as desired.

Although the inventive concepts may assume many forms, in the interests of brevity and clarity only one of these forms is disclosed in detail herein. It is to be understood, however, that the invention may be embodied in any desired configuration lying within Vthe scope of the sub-joined claims, and that the disclosure of the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawing and described hereinafter in conjunction therewith in no wise limits the invention under the scope of the claims.

In the drawing:

Figure l is a perspective and diagrammatic view of the device, the drum master-switch actuator, the drumactuatable switches, the stepping and release solenoids and their associated parts being shown in perspective and the finger switches and all electrical circuits being shown diagrammatically; and

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic vertical elevation of the drum-type master switch-actuator, the various positions of effective rotation occupiable by same being designated at the bottom edge of the drum.

The construction shown comprises a pair of supply conductors 8 receiving electrical energy, preferably from a source, not shown, of ll() v. A. C. Circuit 8 is associated with a step-down transformer 9 which reduces the input voltage to 1S v. A. C., in the house door-lock embodiment shown. The one terminal of the transformer secondary is return-connected by conductors 10 and 12 to the coil of an electro-mechanical transducer 11, which is energized by a conductor 71. Terminal 16 ties to a bus type conductor 12. The other leg 13 of the secondary is connected by a conductor 14 to the one side of each of four finger-switches A, B, C and D.

A drum type master switch-actuator 15 is rotatably mounted in suitable bearings 16 at each end and is torsionloaded by a torsion spring 17 attached at one end to the shaft and at the other end to an abutment.

As shown in Figure 2, the drum-actuator bears on its periphery a plurality of circumferential rows of apertures 101, the rows being spaced vertically. ln certain apertures are removably mounted

pins

18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 or other protruding members, so that the lock combination may be altered at will by merely shifting the pins. As shown, the drum can occupy six rotational positions. Additional positions may be provided as desired. The top pin 24, when in its final rotative position, causes the operation of the transducer 11, and to `Vbring 24 into operation, all the remaining pins must first have been brought into operation. These node members include two pins 22 and 23 in the rst longitudinal row from the right side edge of the rotor .as it appears in Figures l and 2, a pin 21 in the second such row, a pin 19 in the third row, a pin 13 in the fourth row, a pin 2% in the fifth row and a pin 24 in the sixth row. Pin 24 may be moved from the position shown to positions in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th positions in that row, or any higher numbered position (not shown), thereby changing the number of factors in the secret combination. Pin 23 must remain in position l, for its purpose is to open the electrical circuit locking in the release solenoid, as later explained. The other pins may be arranged at will to produce a variety of combinations.

A branch conductor 25 connects the one side of stepping solenoid 26 with bus 12 and a branch conductor 27 connects the one side of release solenoid 28 with bus 12.

From its junction with bus conductor 14, a conductor path 29 branches to connection with the outer leaf 31 of a drum-actuated switch F. This switch is of the double-pole, single-throw, leaf type in that, in closing, leaf 36 first moves toward center leaf 102 and then the two, 36 and 102, close onto leaf 31, thus closing several circuits by the one movement. Conductor 29 also connects to the inner leaf 32 of a switch E.

The outer leaf 33 of switch E connects to a contact 34 of the release solenoid group 28 through conductor nects through a path 37-87 to the contact 86 of group 4 28. Switch F is not normally in contact with the button 24 of the drum.

Four

other switches

39, 41, 42 and 43 are provided in alignment with E and F and are operatively associatable, respectively in sequence with the

buttons

18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 on the drum.

Switches

39, 41, 42 and 43 are of the shorting type in which the middle leaf moves from the inner leaf toward the outer leaf until the latter makes close contact and the inner leaf subsequently loses contact. Center leaf 44 of switch 39 is connected in series with finger-switch A through conductor 45. Switch A is connected with the energy source through

conductor paths

46, 14, and 13.

Finger switch B is connected with the energy source through conductor 47 and bus bars 14 and 13; and is connected with the center leaf 48 of drum switch 41 through a conductor 49. Finger switch C is similarly connected to the energy source through conductor 51 and is connected with the center leaf 52 of switch 42 through a conductor 53. Similarly, nger switch D is connected to the energy source through a conductor 54 and connected to the center leaf 55 of drum switch 43 through a conductor 56.

The inner leaves 57, 53, 59 and 61 of the

switches

39, 41, 42 and 43 are connected in parallel through a conductor 62 to the contact arm 63 of the stepping solenoid 26, and the outer leaves 64, 65, 66 and 67 of

switches

39, 41, 42 and 43 are connected in parallel, via a conductor 63 to the contact 38 of the release solenoid. The center leaf 102 of switch F is connected via a conductor 71 to the coil of the electro-mechanical transducer 11.

In further detail, the stepping solenoid comprises an electro-magnet '72 having a clapper 73 pivoted to the magnet housing and loaded by a spring 74. The opposite end of the clapper is bent to constitute a pawl 75 for engaging and actuating a ratchet 76 on the shaft of the drum type switch-actuator 15. The contact arm 63 is disposed in close adjacency to clapper 73 and is insulated therefrom by a block 76. The lower end of arm 63 is adapted, on respective occasions, to make contact with either the outer contact 78 or the inner contact 79 associated with the arm 63. The latter contact '79 is connected in branch circuit, via a conductor 81 to the coil 72 of the stepping solenoid 26 and said contact 79 is also connected via conductor 82 to a contact arm 83 of Vthe release solenoid 28 for a purpose later explained.

The release solenoid group 23 includes a clapper 84 pivotally associated therewith and conventionally insulated at its lower end from the two pivoted

contact arms

83 and 85 which are also insulated from each other. At its upper end, arm S3 is adapted to make and break contact with contact 38, which, via conductor 68, is connected to the outer leaves of drum switches 39, 41, 42 and 43. Contact arm 85 of the release solenoid group is adapted to make contact, through point 34, with a contact 86 which, via conductors 87 and 37, connects to the inner leaf 36 of drum switch F. Contact 86 also connects through'conductors 87 and 88 to the outer contact member 78 of the stepping solenoid. In divided circuit through a conductor 89, contact 86 also connects with the'release solenoids coil. The other side of the 'last said coil connects via

conductors

91, 27 and 25 with the coil 72 of the stepping solenoid.

The spring loaded pawl 75 is pivoted in normal idling Vengagement with the ratchet 76 of the drum, which in V periphery of the drum near the one end thereof, and adapted to engage stop S.

The device shown in the accompanying drawings operates as follows:

With the supply circuit 8 completed through the transformer 9, a stepped-down voltage is supplied from the low side thereof through the conductor path 13 to the bus 14. The other leg 10 of the secondary is connected to the coil of the transducer 11, and, via

conductors

12 and 25, is connected to the one side of the coil 72 of the stepping solenoid 26. Leg 10 also is connected through

conductors

27 and 91 to the coil of the release solenoid 28.

The conductor path 13 furnishes energy to the one side of each of the finger-switches A, B, C and D and, in divided circuit through conductor 29, passes to the inner leaf 32 of drum switch E and the outer leaf 31 of drum switch F.

Assuming the drum to be operable by the code D, C, B, A, B to be in its first, or starting position as shown in Figure l, with nger switch D actuated, the outer end of the center leaf 55 of drum switch 43 and of leaf 33 of drum-switch E are held by pins 22 and 23 on the drum out of their normal contacts with the inner leaves of their respective switches and into actuated positions. Energy will thus pass through closed linger-switch D, conductor 56, through leaves 55 and 67, to bus conductor 68, through

closed contacts

38 and 83 of the release solenoid group 28, thence through

conductors

82 and 81 to energize the stepping solenoid 26. Solenoid 26 draws the clapper 73 and pawl 75 activatingly against the ratchet 76 and turns the drum clockwise one notch, placing the switch actuator drum in the second position in which drum switch 42 is activated. This action de-activates drum switches 43 and E and opens the immediately used circuits. When switch 43 is de-activated, center leaf 55 thereof completes a circuit through leaf 61, conductor 62, 63, and 79 and conductor path 81. Thus the stepping solenoid is locked-in and remains so as long as finger switch D remains closed. Similar locking-in action of the stepping solenoid occurs upon the actuation of the other finger-switches.

In the second position, since finger-switch C has been closed, switch 42 has the lower end of its center leaf 52 held against its outer leaf 66 similarly to that which occurred just previously with switch 43, this action energizing the stepping solenoid from closed switch C and conductor 53 through leaf 66 and conductor path 68, through contacts 38 and 83 (adjacent solenoid 28), thence to the stepping solenoid through conductor 82, thence through conductor 81 and to coil 72. This energization effects rotation of the drum clockwise to the third position, releasing drum switch 42 and thereby opening all the circuits which have just been activated. Concurrently, thesepactions activate drum switch 41. Simultaneously, the stepping solenoid is locked-in to the stepping solenoid through leaf 59, conductor 62, contacts 63 and 79 and conductor path 81. Actuation of switch 41 effects actuation of solenoid 26 through

conductors

47 and 49 which supply energy from finger switch B through switch leaves 48 and 65 and thence through conductor path 68,

contacts

38 and 83 and conductor paths 82-81. Actuation of solenoid 26 causes the pawl 75 to step the ratchet 76 one notch, turning drum 15 clockwise to the fourth position, which action concurrently releases drum switch 41 opens all the immediately foregoing circuits,- locks-in the stepping solenoid as it was locked in previously, and urges the middle leaf 44 of drum switch 39 against the outer leaf 64 thereof. The circuit thus established, when switch A is closed, energizes the stepping solenoid by means of energy supplied from switch A by the conductor 45 which takes current to and through conductor 68, through which latter it passes to

contacts

38 and 83. Current is also passed through conductor 82 via conductor 81 to coil 72.

The pawl 75 steps the ratchet 76 one notch and ro` tates the drum clockwise to the fth position, concurrently releasing drum switch 39, opening the immediately preceding circuits, locking-in the stepping solenoid as aforedescribed, and re-activating drum switch 41, the fifth unit in the code-combination. Actuation of switch 41 energizes the stepping solenoid through conductors 49 and 48 from now re-closed finger switch B, the same circuit then being established through bus conductor 68,

contacts

38 and 83 and

conductors

82 and 81. The actuation of the solenoid 26 causes the pawl 75 to move the ratchet 76 and the latter moves the drum clockwise to the siXth position, concurrently releasing drum switch 41, opening the immediately aforesaid circuits and actuating drum switch F. Concurrently, the circuits that lock-in the stepping solenoid are re-established and energized, as, and for the purposes made manifest several times hereinabove.

Such actions energize the coil of the electro-mechanical transducer 11, doing so by current passed through leaves 31 and 102 and conductor path 7l. Said actions concurrently energize release solenoid 28 through leaves 31 and 36 and through

conductor paths

37, 87, 89, 91, 27, 12 and 10. However the drum will be held in its last stepped position by pawl 75 so long as the finger switch B is held closed.

Contacts 34 and 86, being now closed, and leaves 32 and 33 of switch E being in Contact, a circuit is now completed through

conductors

10, 12, 27, and 91, coil 28, and

conductors

89, 35, 29, and 13, which locks in the release solenoid 28.

Energization of solenoid 28 effects retraction of pawl 92 and when the finger switch is released, pawl 75 is also freed and the drum is freed for rotation counter-clockwise by spring 17. This spring thus returns drum 15 to its starting position.

When the drum returns `to its initial position, pin 23 will -break the lock-in circuit through leaves 32 and 33 and the lock-in will thereby be released so that all elements will then be returned to their starting positions.

it is to be noted `that whenever the release coil is energized,

contacts

38 and 83 are opened, and thus, by breaking the circuit through

conductors

82 and 81, prevent ratchet operation. Whenever the ratchet coil 72 is energized, contacts 78 and 63 are opened, breaking the circuit through

conductors

88, 87 and 89 and preventing operation of the release solenoid 28.

When the finger-switches are pressed in an order different from the predetermined code order, the release solenoids coil will be energized. lier example, if finger switch A is erroneously pressed first, since pin 18 is not contacting switch 39, a circuit is established from fingerswitch A through conductor 45 to .the leaf 4d and the inner leaf and path 57 of drum switch 39; thence through conductor 62 to arm 63 adjacent the stepping solenoid; to contact 78; and through

conductors

88, 87 and 89 to the release solenoid 28. lf finger switch B is pressed first, current passes from finger switch B, through conductor 49, drum switch 41, inner leaf 58; conductor 62 to contact arms 63 and 78; thence through conductors 88, S7 and 89 to the release coil, disengaging the release pawl. Similar action also occurs if linger switch C is pressed first or if any finger switch is pressed when its corresponding drum actuated switch is not engaged by the appropriate actuating pin. ln any case, both

pawls

75 and 92 being now disengaged, the torsion spring returns the drum to its initial or starting position so that there is no possibility of the continued pressing of finger switches building up by chance to the proper combination. Unless the proper finger switch is pressed first, and unless all subsequent pressings are of the proper switch in the proper combination sequence, the transducer' 11 cannot be operated.

The pins or buttons 24 etc. are detachably mounted 7 in the drum so that the pin which operates the drum switch F, for instance, may be removed from its shown position and inserted in an aperture in other suitable positions, such as rows 2, 3, 4, or 5, or any higher numbered row, thereby changing the combination without notice to other parties, by changing the number of switches in the combination required Ito actuate the lock release. The next pin 23 must remain in the position shown, since it is for the purpose of operating drum switch E and opening the lock-in contacts 34 and 86 for the release solenoid and allowing the release solenoid to open when the drum has returned to its initial or number 1 position. The other ve pins can be distributed over the rst five positions, or rows, in accordance with Whatever combination is desired.

It is manifest from the foregoing description of the configuration and operation of the invention as applied to a reciprocatable door-lock element that the principles of the invention may, by means of changes involving only slight alterations of the parts, and circuits, and their relative arrangements and coaction, be satisfactorily applied to the control of the actuation of rotary locks, ignition locks for engines, burners, furnaces and the like; to the tiring or projecting devices of rocket guns; to missile projectors tiring circuits and the like, and in fact, to substantially any electro-mechanical transducer-operated device, the operation of which is to be restricted to authorized personnel.

It is also within the scope of the invention, in order to prevent the premature detonation of a guided missile or the like by an enemy before it reaches its target, to employ herein, instead of the finger-switches A, B, C, and D, conventional relays actuated remotely by radio transmitters located on the ground. All the other circuitry, and the stepping and release solenoids, remain identical with those shown in Figure 1. Thus, operation of the transmitters, either directly at the airfield or from remote oliice stations by means of electronic relays and only in accordance with the secret code would, as hereinabove, rotate the drum-type switch actuator until the circuit of the electro-mechanical transducer 11 that operates the bolt for detonating the missiles primer cap, would detonate the missile. Hence, only authorized personnel having knowledge of the correct code-combination, would be able to detonate the missile, and would do so only when same is on the enemy target.

I claim:

1. A code-combination controlled electro-mechanical system for closing an ultimate circuit that is closable only when the coded control-elements of the system are operated in accordance with said code, comprising: an electrical energy source; an ultimate circuit connected at one end to said source, and the other end of said circuit including a mechanically responsive switch actuatable to close the circuit; a stepping rotor; an abutment carried by said rotor and adapted to mechanically actuate said switch upon movement of said rotor through a predetermined number of steps; a plurality of additional abutments carried on the periphery of said rotor at predetermined locations thereon to arrive at their actuating positions in a predetermined sequence upon successive stepping of said rotor; electro-mechanical means to sequentially move said rotor through said predetermined number of steps; means to urge said rotor in a counterrotating direction to return to its initial position; second electro-mechanical means normally engaging said rotor to prevent counter-rotation thereof and actuatable to release said rotor for counter-rotation; a plurality of dual switches iixedly located in predetermined order in proximity to the periphery of said rotor and in position to be actuated by said abutments in said predetermined sequence; a rst switch element of each of said dual switches being normally closed and being in circuit with said electrical energy source and with said second, electromechanical, release means; a second switch element of each of said dual switches being normally open and being in circuit with said electrical energy source and with said iirst, electro-mechanical, stepping means; and a separate, manually-operable, stepping switch in circuit with each of said dual switches and with said electrical source; whereby each of said plurality of abutments, when in its actuating position Will close its corresponding second switch element and open its corresponding first switch element and closing of the predetermined manuallyoperable stepping switch willclose the stepping circuit and advance the rotor one step; and conversely closing of any other stepping switch will close the circuit through a corresponding first switch element, the electrical energy source, and the release means to release the rotor for counter-rotation to its initial position.

2. In a code-combination controlled electro-mechanical system for closing an ultimate circuit, an electrical energy source; a stepping master control means; means carried thereby to close said ultimate circuit upon completion of a predetermined number of steps; stepping means to advance said master control means in a predetermined direction; release means to selectively hold said master control means at each step of its advance and to release it to return to its initial position; a plurality of independent stepping circuits and release circuits; a separate manuallyoperable switch common to each pair consisting of one stepping circuit and one release circuit; said release circuits being normally closed and said stepping circuits being normallyopen; and means carried by said master control means to open one release circuit and close one stepping circuit of a pair at each step of its advance, in a predetermined coded order; said stepping means being actuatable by each completed stepping circuit and said release means being actuatable by each completed release circuit; whereby closing of the proper manually-operable switch Will complete the stepping circuit closed by said master control means and actuate the stepping means to cause said master control means to advance one step, and closing of any other manually-operable switch Will complete a release circuit and actuate the release means to permit said master control means to return to its initial position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,353,257 Mample Sept. 21, 1920 2,059,919 Teubner Nov. 3, 1936 2,214,534 Maxwell Sept. 10, 1940 2,338,305 Simmon J'an. 4, 1944 2,427,207 Grieveson Sept. 9, 1947 2,444,955 Ringer July 13, 1948 2,452,372 Harkness Oct. 26, 1948 2,477,953 Berthiez Aug. 2, 1949 2,484,152 Bruton Oct. 11, 1949 2,562,176 Curry July 31, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS 596,401 Great Britain Ian. 2, 1948