US3569981A

US3569981A - Recording lock system

Info

Publication number: US3569981A
Application number: US748415A
Authority: US
Inventors: Lynn F Hampton; David S Ralph; Henry Mcdonald Curl
Original assignee: LOCK TRONIC CORP
Current assignee: LOCK TRONIC CORP
Priority date: 1968-07-29
Filing date: 1968-07-29
Publication date: 1971-03-09
Anticipated expiration: 1988-03-09

Abstract

A lock and recorder cooperate to provide a record of, among other matters of interest to those responsible for protecting a given building or other space from unwanted intrusion, the times when the lock is turned and whether the lock is operated from the outside or the inside, the particular key (of a set of keys that may be issued to several security guards) employed to turn the lock, and instances of failure of the power supply to the recorder and tampering with the recorder.

Description

O United States Patent 1 1 3,569,981

[72] Inventors Lynn F. Hampton; [56] References Cited David S. Ralph; Henry McDonald Curl, UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,088,129 2/1914 Cone 346/141X 1 PP 748,415 1,390,017 9/1921 Bryce 70/434 [221 Filed 29,1968 1,314,427 8/1919 Phelps 70/434 [451 m 1971 3,302,211 1/1967 Essex et al. 346/53 [73] Assignee The Lock-Tronic Corporation Commbus, Ohio Primary Examiner-Joseph W. Hartary Attorney-Brumbaugh, Graves, Donohue and Raymond ABSTRACT: A lock and recorder cooperate to provide a [54] 223 record of, among other matters of interest to those responsible aims r g g for protecting a given building or other space from unwanted [52] 11.8. CI. 346/53, intrusion, the times when the lock is turned and whether the 346/79, 70/434, 346/141 lock is operated from the outside or the inside, the particular [51] lut.Cl G07c 1/32 key (of a set of keys that may be issued to several seourity- [50] Field of Search 346/52, 53, guards) employed to turn the lock, and instances of failure of 54, 79; 70/433,434; l97/(Inquired); the power supply to the recorder and tampering with the 10l/(Inquired) recorder.

PATENTEDHAR 919m 3569.981

SHEET 2 OF 7 INVENTORS. LYNN E HAMPTON, DAVID S. RALPH 8| HENRY MCDONALD CURL their ATTORNEYS PATENTED MAR 91971 SHEET 3 OF T I .0 WM T P WM A H Cr N N Y L DAVID S. RALPH 8 HENRY McDONALD CURL MIX, @m/w ao/flf nv ATTORNEYS PATENTEBHAR 9197: 3,569,981

' sum 5 or 7 u 285 I L I N VEN'IORS.

I54 I53 I52 LYNN F. HAMPTON,

DAVID s. RALPH a BYHENRY MCDONALD CURL their ATTORNEYS PATENTEDHAR 91911 3569881 SHEET 6 0F 7 INVEN'TORS. LYNN F. HAMPTON, DAVID S. RALPH 8 BY HENRY MCDONALD CURL their ATTORNEYS PATENTED MAR 9 IBYI SHEET 7 BF 7 IQPISw h1 2 .2

m m mam 0% E o @NM m k k NNM w M m m 37 m u, m U n E n:OZm Ow 52241 NM Em INVENTURS. LYNN E HAMPTON, DAVID S. RALPH 8: BY HENRY MCDONALD CURL W AM, AQWk W their ATTORNEYS RECORDING LOCK SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a system for identifying a key utilized to turn a lock. The invention also relates to components which are disclosed herein in connection with such a keyidentifying system, but which have application elsewhere.

A US. Pat. No. 3,302,211 to Essex et aI. discloses an invention of which the present invention is an improvement SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is to provide, in a lock turnable by the insertion therein of any one of a selected plurality of keys and having means for providing a signal indicative of the particular one of the plurality of keys used to turn the lock, and improved structure by virtue of which all of the keys can be made more compact than heretofore and of the same length.

Another object of the invention is to provide, in a lock and recorder which cooperate to make a record of the particular key of a plurality of keys employed to turn the lock, means for producing a recording, upon restoration of power to the recorder following a failure of power to the recorder, of the time indicated by a clock in the recorder.

Another object of the invention is to provide, in apparatus of the type described above, improved recording elements which provide greater reliability with less maintenance than has heretofore been possible.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in apparatus of the type described above, means for preventing the lock from being turned only part way from the unlocked position to effect a recording indicating that the lock is in the locked position, then turned back to the unlocked position without making a further recording.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in apparatus of the type described above, means for preventing operation of the lock from the outside while it is being operated from the inside.

Still another object of the invention is to provide means facilitating the winding of a tape upon which information is recorded following such recording.

Another object of the invention is to provide means associated with the lock bolt capable of giving an alarm when the bolt is moved to a position intermediate the full locking and fuII unlocking positions.

The foregoing and other of the invention are attained, in a thereof, by the provision of apparatus comprising lock means turnable by the insertion therein of any one of a selected pluraIity of keys of which each has tumbler notches on a first thereof and identification on a second portion thereof. A plurality of electric contacts are so mounted that they are adjacent to the second portion of any of the keys inserted in the lock means, and the contacts assume a condition, upon turning of any one of the keys inserted in the lock means, which depends on the alignment of the contacts and the identification notches. The contacts accordingly are adapted to provide a plurality of signals of which each corresponds to a respective one of the keys. These signals actuate recording means and drive means advances a record sheet through a recording zone, where a recording is made identifying the key used to turn the lock and the time when the lock was turned.

The recording means includes an array of selectively positionable recording elements disposed at the recording zone, together with electromechanical positioning means for the elements. The electromechanical positioning means is responsive to the conditions of the contacts when one of the keys is turned in the lock means to set up a position permutation of the elements corresponding to the conditions of the contacts. A print hammer is actuated after one of the permutations has been setup to produce a recording on the record sheet by the elements of marks representing that permutation.

Another aspect of the invention is that the electromechanical positioning means sets up a distinctive position permutation of the elements in response to restoration of power after failure thereof, the record-forming means being actuated to produce a recording on the record sheet of the time as then in- .dicated by clock means mounted in the recorder.

A further aspect of the invention is that each of the record ing elements is formed with a plurality of recording tip portions and is rotatable about an axis parallel to the recording zone to bring a selected one of the tip portions into position to make a recording on the record sheet.

Another aspect of the invention involves the provision of full-stroke detent means permitting complete turning of an inserted key from the locking to the unlocking position and from the unlocking to the locking position but preventing a reversal in the direction of turning of the inserted key while the key is in a position intermediate the locking and unlocking positions.

A further feature of the invention involves the provision of first and second spur gears in the lock, and gear detent means operatively associated with the second spur gear and movable axially therewith for engagement with the first spur gear. The second spur gear is disengageable from the first spur gear to facilitate turning of the lock from the inside. Inasmuch as the gear detent means becomes engaged with the first spur gear prior to the disengagement of the second spur gear from the first spur gear, the first spur gear is held stationary during rotation of the lock from the inside. In this way, operation of the lock from the outside is prevented during operation of the lock from the inside.

Still another feature of the invention involves the provision of spring means operatively associated with tape advance means in the recorder, the spring means imparting a sharp lift to dormant coils of tape on which recordings have been made upon actuation of the tape advance means, thereby freeing adjacent coils in the spring means from frictional adherence to each other and rotating the coils to facilitate tighter coiling thereof.

Still another aspect of the invention involves the provision of signal generating means operatively associated with the lock bolt for producing an alarm signal in response to movement of the bolt between the locking and unlocking positions, and alarm means responsive to the alarm signal for producing an alarm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING An understanding of additional aspects of the invention can be gained from a consideration of the following detailed description of a representative embodiment thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. I is a side view (partly in section) of the lock section of a system according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view (partly in section) of the lock section FIG. I;

FIG. 2A is a view taken along the lines ZA-ZA of FIG. 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 3 is an end view from the indoor side of the lock section of FIG. 1, the view being taken as indicated by the arrows 3-3 in FIG. I and the cover for the casing of the lock having been removed;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 5 is a view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 3 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the recorder section of the system to which the FIG. I lock belongs;

FIG. 7 is a view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 8 is a view taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 6 and looking in the direction of the arrows; FIG. 9 is a view taken along the line 99 of FIG. 6 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 10 is a view taken along the line 10-10 of FIG. 9 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. II is a view taken along the line Il-II of FIG. 9 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 12 is a view taken along the line 12-12 of FIG. 9 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 13 is a view taken along the line 13-13 of FIG. 6 and looking in the direction of the arrows;v

FIG. 14 is a schematic of the electric circuits employed in the system to which the FIG. I lock and FIG. 6 recorder belong; and

FIG. 15 is a tabulation of the events recorded by the system and of the character of the record produced by each such event.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The lock Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the reference numeral designates a conventional key the roller mounted within a microswitch 21 (FIGS. the stile of a door 22 and secured by a screw 23 to a mounting plate fastened to the indoor side of the door by screws 25. Attached to the plate 24 by screws 26 (FIG. 3) cam 120' plate 27 of a casing 28 having a cover 29 fastened to the casing 28 screws 30. A gear housing 31 is fastened to the faceplate by screws 32 (FIG. 3). detail.

The key cylinder 20 contains the usual key plug 35 (FIG. 2),

which is rotatable within the cylinder 20 only by full insertion in the plug and subsequent rotation therein of a key 36 having broachings or tumbler notches 37 matching the pins and recesses (neither shown) of the cylinder. Otherwise, the plug is held fixed against rotation in full locked (or unlocked) position by the pins of the cylinder.

The key 36 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is the key D (FIG. 15) of a set of five keys A, B, D, E, and H, for which the reference numeral 36 is used herein in a generic sense.

Each of those five keys is characterized by similar broachings or tumbler notches 37 at a first portion of the keys so as to permit any one of such keys to turn the plug 35. The keys have different shapings, however, in that, at a second portion of the keys, on the side of the key shank opposite the broachings or tumbler notches and at the end of the shank opposite the key handle, they have identification notches 38 of different positions or lengths; Because of the different characteristics of the identification notches or broachings 38, the edge 39 of the key shank makes or does not make contact with a plurality of

contacts

40a, 40b, and 400, when the key is rotated through 180 to the inverted position shown in FIG. 2. Each of the contacts 40a-40c is biased towards the edge 39 of the key 36 by plungers 41a, 41b and 41c loaded by compression coil springs 42a, 42b, and 42c received within

cylindrical recesses

43a, 43b, and 43c, respectively, formed in a mounting 44 made of plastic or another electrically insulating material.

A second plastic, generally cylindrical, electrically insulating member 45 is secured by screws 46 to the key plug 35, with which it is rotatable, and is formed with a longitudinal slot 47 through which a portion 39 of the edge of the key 36 opposite the tumbler notches 37 is rendered accessible to the contacts 40a-40c. The member 45 is formed with circumferential grooves 46a, 46b, and 460 in which the contacts 40a-40, respectively, are adapted to ride as the member 45 turns with the key 36. The contacts 40a-40c are forced by the spring-loaded plungers 4la-4lc, respectively, to make contact with the portion 39 of the key 36, except so much of such portion as may contain an identification notch therein. Where there is a notch, the associated plunger, such as the plunger 41a, forces the associated contact 40a downward as far as the associated circumferential groove 46a in the member 45 permits. This leaves the contact 40a in spaced-apart relation to the portion 39 of the key 36. The other contacts 40b and 400 engage the key 36, which is grounded.

Thus, depending on the length and position of the notch 33, certain of the contacts 40a-40c make contact with the key 36, and certain of the contacts do not. Since the contacts are connected to a potential source and key is grounded, electrical signals are developed in leads respectively connected to the contacts 40a-40c, these signals being indicative of the condition of the contacts.

It is common for a key cylinder of conventional construction to allow some axial play of a key fitted therein so that the positions of the identification notches 38 of the several keys 36 would be relatively imprecise. To minimize such imprecision, the lock has mounted over the front of the plug 35 a faceplate 48 having a fixed axial position relative to the cylinder 20. As the patent identified above discloses, the plate 48 has formed therein a circular aperture coaxial with the plug 35 and a key-receiving notch extending downward from the bottom of the aperture.

Just forward of its handle, the key 36 has formed on the side thereof containing the identification notch 38 a laterally extending slot 49 of a width which exceeds only by a clearance the axial thickness of the faceplate 48. The

sides

49 and 49 of the notch 49 cooperate with opposite sides 48' and 48" of the plate 48 to position the key .36 accurately in an axial direction.

The key 36 while in a vertical position may be inserted through the circular aperture in the plate 48 and the keyreceiving notch until the key contacts the faceplate 48. Thereafter, when the key is turned slightly (less than 1), the face plate 48 at the margin of the aperture becomes received in the key slot 49 to restrain the key 36 from axial movement while permitting further turning of the key. Since the plate 48 is axially fixed relative to the cylinder 20, and since the shank end of each key has a predetermined axial spacing relative to the slot 49 of that key, it follows that the axial constraint of each such key by the faceplate 48 serves to space the identification notches of the various keys by an exact predetermined distance from the cylinder 20.

The keys 36 operate the lock as follows. Extending axially through a square aperture 60 in the member 45 and secured to the member 45 by a pin 64 is a rod 65 of square cross section. The rod 65 is thus locked for rotation with the member 45.

The rod 65 extends rightward to pass in axially slidable relation through a square aperture in the hub of a spur gear 86 having a bearing 87 in ajournal 88 formed in the gear housing 31. The cross section of the aperture 85 matches that of the rod 65 so that the rod and gear 86 are locked together for rotation. The teeth 89 of the gear 86 are normally in meshed relation with the teeth 90 of another spur gear 91 mounted fast on the shaft 92 rotatable and axially slidable in journals 93 and 94 formed in oppositely disposed walls 95 and 96 provided by the housing 31. A pinion gear 97 is also mounted fast on the shaft 92 and is biased rightwardly by a compression coil spring 98 disposed around the shaft 92 between the pinion 97 and a collar 1261b. The bias imparted to the pinion 97 is transmitted through the shaft 92 to the gear 91 to urge that gear to the right. Ordinarily, the spring 98 keeps the teeth of the gear 91 engaged with those of the gear 86.

The pinion 97 meshes with a rack gear 99 on top of a locking bolt 100 (FIGS. 2 and 3) movable transversely in a guideway 101 (FIG. 1) between a full unlocking position (FIG. 3) and a full locking position at which the bolt extends farthest leftward from the lock casing 28. As shown in FIG. 2, the teeth 102 of the rack 99 are wider than the teeth 103 of the pinion 97 by an amount which assures continuous meshing of the rack and pinion when the shaft 92 is shifted leftward sufficiently to disengage the teeth of the spur gear 91 from those of the spur gear 86.

To the end of effecting such shift, the shaft 92 is capped at its rightward end by a head diametrically traversed by a slot 111 accessible from the right-hand side of the wall 96. The slot is disposed opposite a key cylinder 112 (FIG. 1) extending through the cover 29 and containing a key plug 113 coaxial with the head 110 and rotatable by insertion in the plug and subsequent rotation therein of an indoor key 115.

When the key 115 is fully inserted in the plug 113, the shank end 116 of the key fits snugly into the slot 111 to press the shaft 92 leftward against the bias of the spring 98 until the gear 91 becomes disengaged from the gear 86. Meanwhile, the pinion 97 remains in meshed relation with the rack 99. Subsequent rotation of the key 115 is transmitted by the coupling of its end 116 in slot 111 to the head 110 and then to the shaft 92 and pinion 9'7.

in accordance with the present invention, gear detent means 1211 (FIG. 3) is provided whereby operation of the lock by one of the outside keys 36 is prevented during operation of the look by the inside key 115. The gear detent means 120 is operatively associated with the second spur gear 91 and is movable axially therewith and with the shaft 92 for engagement with the first spur gear 86 prior to disengagement of the spur gear 91 from the spur gear 36 upon insertion of the indoor key 115. The gear detend detent means 120 is formed with teeth 121 engageable with the teeth 89 of the spur gear 8 6. In this way, the detent means 120 holds the spur gear 86 stationary during rotation of the second or indoor key 115. In-

asmuch as the spur gear 86 is locked for rotation with the rod 65 of square cross section, which is in turn locked for rotation with the member 45 and the plug 35, none of the outside keys 36 can be used to operate the lock when the key 115 is being so used. Moreover, upon withdrawal of the key 115, the

gears

86 and 91 are always correctly aligned, and the bolt 100 is in full locking or full unlocking position. Thus the lock cannot be rendered inoperative by simultaneous attempted operation thereof from opposite sides. I

The bolt 1111) carries on its indoor side a tripping cam 120' adapted to contact the roller 124 of a microswitch 125 (FIGS. 1, 3, and 14). The cam 120' and roller 124 are relatively disposed so that contact therebetween occurs when the bolt is about midway between the locking and unlocking positions. The making of contact between the cam 120and the roller 124 serves to close the microswitch 125, thereby to produce on a lead 126 a tripping signal which is supplied to the FIG. 6 recorder to actuate it as hereinafter described in more detail.

Alternatively, spring contacts can be mounted to close an alarm circuit, which may be regarded as represented schematically by the lead 126. The alarm circuit may include a burglar alarm near the lock or may be employed to alert a security guard at a remote location.

The bolt 100 has therein (FIG. 3) a groove 127 with an arcuate end 123. The bolt may be held locked by the positioning at the bottom of the end 123 of a stop pin 128 rotatable with a key cylinder 129 (FIG. 1) passing through the lock cover 29. The cylinder or plug 129 may be rotated to unlock the bolt by the insertion therein and subsequent rotation therein of a key 117. The key 117 is one of a set of keys in interlocking relation in that the key 117 is made available for insertion in the FIG. 1 look by being taken from the lock of a door next inwards of the FM]. 1 lock but is not releasable from that door to the user of the key 117 until such person has locked the door next inwards from the FIG. 1 lock, the key for locking the last-named door is not releasable to the user until the door next in is locked, and so on. Since such interlock scheme is conventional, it is not described herein in further detail.

The gear housing 31 supports a leaf spring contact 12011 (FlGS. 3, 5, and 14) of a switch 129. The contact 129a biases a contact 12% formed thereon towards a contact 12%, also supported by the gear housing. The gear detent 120, which is made of electrically insulating material, normally holds the switch 121 open. Movement of the gear segment 120 axially to the left (from the perspective of FIG. 1), however, permits the contacts 12% and 1290 to close, thereby generating a signal indicative of operation of the lock by the key 115. This signal is supplied to the recorder of FIG. 6 to produce a recording in a manner hereinafter explained.

In accordance with the invention, full-stroke detent means 12% (F165. 2 and 2A) is provided permitting complete turning of an inserted key from the locking position to the unlocking position and from the unlocking position to the locking position but preventing a reversal in the direction of turning of the inserted key while the key is in a position intermediate the locking and unlocking positions. The full-stroke detent means 128 comprises a pawl 128a loosely and rotatably mounted on the shaft 92 between two collars 12% and 128b' integral with the shaft 52 and spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the thickness of the pawl 1128a. The pawl cooperates with the bolt 101i and biasing means such as a tension coil spring 128C biasing the pawl 128a against the bolt 101). The distance between the shaft 92 where it supports the pawl 128a and the nearest surface of the bolt is less than the length of the pawl 128a between the shaft 128!) and the bolt 100, whereby the pawl 128a can assume either of two angular orientations, one as in solid outline, permitting sliding of the bolt 100 to the left in a locking direction only, and the other as in phantom outline, permitting sliding of the bolt 100 to the right in an unlocking direction only.

The bolt 100 is formed with

recesses

128a and 128a at the opposite ends of the portion thereof engaged by the pawl 128a during sliding of the bolt 100, whereby reversal of the angular orientation of the pawl from the orientation shown is solid (or phantom) outline to the angular orientation shown in solid (or phantom) outline is permitted when the bolt 100 is at either limit of its travel.

Any attempt to reverse the direction of the bolt intermediate its movement from one limit of its travel to the other is prevented by the digging in of the sharp edge l28f of the pawl 128a into the upper surface of the bolt, which may be serrated to provide a ratchetlike operation.

The pawl is biased to the neutral or vertical position because, in that position, the shaft 92 and the points 1283 and 128k at which the spring 128a is anchored form a straight line.

The Recorder Turning now to a consideration of the recorder, a record strip 130 (FIG. 6) of pressure sensitive paper is unwound clockwise from a supply spool 131 and is drawn through a recording zone 132 by a drive roll 133 and an idler roll 134. The two rolls are urged together by biasing means such as springs 134a connected to a stationary support at one end and at the other end to a bracket 134b pivotable at 134C. The spool 131 is rotatably mounted on an axially and rotatable stationary shaft 135 having one end supported by a mounting plate and cooperating with a paper guide 138, the opposite end of the shaft being free. A latch 139 pivotable about a shaft 140 is formed with a slot 141 engageable with a circumferential groove 142 (FIG. 7) formed near the free end of the shaft 135 to latch the roll 131 thereon.

An array of

recording elements

141, 142, and 143 (FIG. 9) each formed with a plurality of recording tip portions such as the portions 141a and 1411; (FIG. 12) is provided for printing on the tape or recording sheet130; The

recording elements

141, 142, and 143 are rotatable about a common axis 144 ofa shaft 145 parallel to the recording zone 132. In this way, a selected one of the tip portions, for example the portion 141a shown in FIG. 12, is brought into position to make a recording on the record sheet or tape 130 upon actuation of the print hammer 190.

The

recording elements

141, 142, and 143 are loose on the shaft 145, and their pivoting is effected separately by solenoid means such as

solenoids

146, 147, and 148.

Each solenoid is connected to the corresponding recording element by a drawbar such as the bar 149 shown in FIG. 12. Since each of the solenoid-drawbar-printing element combinations is the same as the others, a detailed description of one is sufficient for an understanding of all. As FIG. 12 shows, the drawbar 149 fits within a slot 150 formed on the end of a movable armature 151. The armature 151 is formed with depending flanges 152 which fit over shoulder portions 153 of a bracket 154 on which the solenoid 146 is mounted. Biasing means such as a tension coil spring 155 attached to the drawbar 149 and bracket 154 facilitates the coupling together of the recording elements 141, drawbar 149, and solenoid 146 and, at the same time, urges the recording element 141 in a direction opposite to the direction in which it is forced by the solenoid 146 upon actuation of the solenoid 146. Specifically, the spring 155 rotates the recording element 141 clockwise as seen in FIG. 12 until it abuts a stop 153. Upon actuation of the solenoid 146, the recording element 141 is rotated counterclockwise until it abuts a second stop 159.

In the unactuated condition of the solenoid 146, the spring 155 thus causes the portion 141a of the printing element 141 to be in position to make an impression on the tape 131 upon actuation of the print hammer; when on the other hand the solenoid 146 is actuated, it rotates the printing element 141 counterclockwise as seen in FIG. 12 to bring the portion 141b of the element 141 into position to make a recording on the tape 1311 upon actuation of the print hammer 190.

The stop 159 is so positioned that, when the solenoid 146 is actuated, the armature 151 remains spaced apart from the solenoid 146. This assures a fast operation of the armature 151 and associated element 141 when the solenoid 146 is deenergized.

The drawbar 149 is formed with an enlarged portion 160 fitting within a recess 161 integral with the printing element 141. The printing element 141 is a one-piece molded structure, and the same is true of the drawbar 149. The drawbar 149 is assembled with the printing element 141, and the assembly is connected by the tension spring 155 to the armature 151 and mounting bracket 154 as shown in FIG. 12. Thereafter the structure need not be adjusted by the user.

Inasmuch as the solenoids governing the

printing elements

141, 142, and 143 are adapted to be actuated independently, any combination of positions of the printing elements upon actuation of the printing hammer is possible.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, there are three printing elements, each adapted to print a horizontal or a diagonal line. The apparatus is in effect adapted to record in binary code a total of 2 or 8 different words, as illustrated in FIG. 15. Actually, in FIG. 15, nine different messages are conveyed, the symbols for midnight and for power on being identical. The remaining words are all composed of different combinations of diagonal and horizontal lines. Thus, the symbol for key A is two horizontal lines followed by a diagonal line; for key B, one horizontal line followed by two diagonal lines; for key D, two diagonal lines followed by a horizontal line; for key E, a diagonal line followed by a horizontal line followed by a diagonal line; and for key H, three diagonal lines. The symbol for inside lock" is a diagonal line followed by two horizontal lines, and for case open" is a horizontal line followed by a diagonal line followed by a horizontal line.

The times at which the various recordings are made upon actuation of the print hammer 190 are a part of each recording. An electrically-driven 24 hour clock 160 (FIG. 6) includes an hour wheel 161 and a minute wheel 162 (FIGS. 8 and 9). Numbers are embossed on the wheels representing, respectively, hours elapsed since the preceding midnight and minutes elapsed since the preceding hour. The numbers are, of course, embossed backwards so that, in printing on the tape 130, which is pressure sensitive, the printed numbers are normal. The p.m. hours are distinguished from the am. hours by a minus sign under the corresponding number on the hour wheel 161.

The recording on the strip 130 of marks from the

elements

141, 142, and 143, and 161 and 162 is accomplished by the striking action of a print hammer 190 (FIGS. 9 and 14) below the strip 130 on the side of the zone 132 opposite the side occupied by the

printing elements

141, 142, and 143 and the hour and

minute wheels

161 and 162. Just before and just after each recording, the strip is advanced through two small steps by the drive roll 133 to present a fresh surface of the strip 130 to the printing elements. The striking action of the hammer and the step-by-step advancing action of the roll 133 are interrelated as follows.

The roll 133 is driven by a pawl and ratchet assembly 180 (FIG. 6) including a first pawl 181 and a second pawl 182 engageable with a circular ratchet gear 183. The tips of the

pawls

181 and 182 and the slope of the teeth of the ratchet gear 183 is such that each pawl is adapted to push (or pull) the ratchet 183 in a clockwise direction but slide over the teeth of the ratchet 183 in a counterclockwise direction.

Each of the

pawls

181 and 182 is rotatably supported on shafts 185 and 186, respectively. The

pawls

181 and 182 are pulled towards each other by a tension coil spring 187 attached to each of the pawls. Accordingly, the free ends of the pawls (opposite the shafts 185 and 186) engage the ratchet 183.

The shafts and 186 which support the

pawls

181 and 182 are mounted in a lever 188 which is pivotable about the shaft 140.

A print hammer solenoid 189 has a movable armature connected to arms 190 pivotably connected to the lever 188 by a shaft 191. Upon actuation of the solenoid 189 to move the armature upward, the arms 190' cause the lever 188 to pivot counterclockwise, thereby moving the shafts 185 and 186 supporting the

pawls

181 and 182 in a clockwise direction about the shaft 192 on which the ratchet 183 and the wheel 133 turn. By this movement of the

pawls

181 and 182, the pawl 181 forces the ratchet 183 and hence the drive wheel 133 to turn clockwise, whereas the pawl 182 rides over the ratchet 183 and secures a grip between two teeth in a counterclockwise direction from the two teeth between which the pawl 182 was previously engaged. On the return stroke of the lever 188, which is effected by a tension coil spring 193 connected to the shaft 185 and to an anchor 194 stationary with respect to the housing of the recorder, the pawl 182 pulls the pawl 183 and drive wheel 133 through another small clockwise step by virtue of the engagement of the pawl 182 between the teeth of the ratchet 183 to which it has been moved. On the return stroke, the pawl 181 rides over the teeth of the ratchet 183.

The print hammer 190 is supported in a trough 195 formed in the level 138 and carries a striking pad 196, which may be made of neoprene positioned at the recording zone 132 directly below the printing elements. Accordingly, actuation of the solenoid 189 is effective to bring the hammer 190 sharply into contact with the tape 130 and in turn force the tape 130 firmly into contact with the

printing elements

141, 142, and 143, and 161 and 162 to produce a recording on the printing tape 130.

Inasmuch as, in accordance with the invention, the advancement of the tape 130 is effected in two steps, each step is smaller than it would otherwise have to be. This results in lower tape speed and less inertial resistance by the tape 130 and in less slippage thereof. The present arrangement also eliminates the need for auxiliary means, such as an electric motor, for driving the tape, and thus is a much simpler arrangement than the conventional apparatus.

FIGS. 7, 9, 10, and 11 show the operation of the timing mechanism for the recorder, including the hour wheel 161 and ni minute wheel 162.

A timer motor 242, which may be conventional, is supplied by ordinary house current l 15 volts, 60 cycles per second) to produce rotation ofa timer cam 244 at l r.p.m. The timer cam 244 rotates clockwise as seen in FIG. 22 so that, in the course of one revolution thereof, a cam follower lever 246, pivotable about a shaft 248 and biased in a clockwise direction against the timer cam 244 by a tension coil spring 250, rides from a low point 252 of the timer cam 244 to a high point 254 of the timer cam 244 and then drops off to the point 252 again.

When the cam follower 246 drops from the high point 254 of the card 244 to the low point 252 ofthe cam 254 under the urging of the spring 250, it moves suddenly in a clockwise direction, and a pawl 256, loosely mounted on a shaft 258 supported in the lever.246, turns a ratchet 258 and hence the minute wheel 162, which is integral with the ratchet 258, clockwise as seen in FIG. 11. As the timer cam 244 continues to turn, the shaft 258 is elevated, over a period of 60 seconds, by the depression of the portion of the cam follower lever 246 which engages the timer cam 244, and the pawl 256 rides over the ratchet wheel 258 to engage the ratchet between the next succeeding ratchet teeth in a counterclockwise direction.

The pawl 256 is urged against the ratchet 258 by the same tension spring 250 which urges the cam follower 246 against the timer cam 244.

The timer mechanism proceeds in the manner described above so that, once each minute, the pawl 256 steps counterclockwise one tooth position on the ratchet 258 and engages then suddenly pushes the ratchet 258 clockwise through a distance equal to the spacing between adjacent ratchet teeth.

1 On the return stroke of the pawl 256, the ratchet wheel 258 is prevented from moving in the reverse (counterclockwise) direction by a pawl 260 pivoted about the shaft 248 in a clockwise direction by a tension coil spring 262 connected to a lug 264 on the pawl 260 and a portion 266 integral with the level 2405.

The movement of the minute wheel 162 governs the movement of the hour Wheel 1161 in the following manner. As the minute wheel 162 turns, a cam 268 integral therewith also turns, thus elevating the end 271) of a cam follower lever 272 from the position in which it is shown in FllG. 11 at the low point 274 of the cam 268 to a high point 276 of the cam 263. The cam 268 makes one complete revolution every hour. The lever 272 is pivoted about the shaft 248, and it has an extension 274 connected to a shaft 276 which also supports a pawl 273 biased by a tension coil spring 280 so that the end 232 thereof engages a ratchet wheel 284 integral with the hour wheel 161. The raising of the portion 270 of the lever 272 also raises the shaft 276' and hence causes the pawl 278 to ride over the teeth of the ratchet wheel 284 in the counterclockwise direction to engage between the next succeeding teeth in a counterclockwise direction. A pawl 285 mounted loosely on the shaft 243 and biased against the ratchet wheel 284 by a tension coil spring 287 prevents the ratchet wheel 284 from moving in a counterclockwise direction. When the portion 270 reaches the high point 276 of the cam 268, the pawl 273 has .just become engaged between the next two adjacent teeth of the ratchet wheel 284 in a counterclockwise direction. The portion 271) of the lever 272 then drops off the high portion 276 of the cam 268 to the low portion 274 of the cam 268, urged by the spring 280, thereby rotating the lever 272 in a clockwise direction and dropping the shaft 276' and hence the pawl 278. Since the pawl 278 is firmly engaged by the action of the spring 280 between adjacent teeth of the ratchet wheel 284, the movement of the pawl 278 advances the ratchet wheel 234 in a clockwise direction a distance equal to the spacing between adjacent teeth. This rotates the hour wheel 1111 a distance equal to 1/24th of the circumference of the wheel, or a distance corresponding to 1 hour, which, as noted above, is the time taken for the cam 268 to make l complete revolution.

The movement of the hour wheel 161 governs the generation of a midnight signal in the following manner. The hour wheel 161 is formed with a cam wheel 292 which accordingly makes 1 complete revolution every 24 hours. In a manner obvious from the preceding discussion of the cam wheels 244 and2o3, the cam wheel 292 pivots a lever 294 once during each 24 hour period to close a microswitch 2%, thereby generating a signal indicative of a particular time of day, for example midnight.

FIG. 05 shows tape winding means operatively associated with "the tape advance means 180, 133 and including a spring wire 3711 defining a curve of larger radius of curvature than the maximum radius of the roll 131. Portions of the tape in the loop of the spring 3711 are coiled in the same sense as the tape in the roll, advantage being taken of the natural tendency of a tape that has been taken from a roll to coil, but somewhat more loosely than in the roll. The spring means 371) is connected to the shaft 136 and imparts a sharp lift to dormant coils 372 of tape in the spring means 3711 upon actuation of the tape advance means. (As noted above, the shaft 136 lifts sharply upon actuation of the solenoid 139.) This sharp lifting movement imparted to the adjacent coils 372 frees them from frictional adherence to each other and rotates the coils to facilitate tighter coiling thereof.

The winding means of the invention thus facilitates in a very economical manner the recording on large lengths of tape without danger of sticking or fouling of the tape.

While the tape winding means is shown as including a spring wire, a sheet metal part bent into the same general configuration may be employed. Also, looped cords, cables, or chains may be employed.

Operation Assume initially that the lock is unlocked and that no key is inserted therein. Under such condition, none of the

contacts

40a, 40b, and 400 is grounded, and no signal is developed to the

solenoids

146, 147, and 148 governing the

printing elements

141, 142, and 143, respectively. Accordingly, all three of the

printing elements

141, 142, and 143 are in the position shown in FIG. 12. Also, the spur gear 86 is engaged with the spur gear 91, and the gear detent means is disengaged from the gear 86, permitting the latter to be rotated by one of the keys 36. Further, the pawl 1280 is in a vertical position within within the recess 128d. The recorder (FIG. 6) is inactive, the hammer 190 being positioned as shown in FIG. 9, and there being a fresh surface of record strip 130 presented at the zone 132 to the printing elements on the upper side of that zone.

Assume now that the key D is inserted into the plug 35 of the key cylinder. In order to be inserted, the key must be kept vertical, as previously explained. The forward movement of the key is arrested with the notch 38 longitudinally aligned with the contact 40a.

The key is then turned clockwise (looking toward the lock from the street side) to produce rotation of the plug 35, the square rod 65, the spur gear 86, the spur gear 91, and the pinion gear 97. With the key in the inverted position shown in FIG. 2, the contacts 40b and 400 are grounded but the contact 40a remains open, thereby actuating the

solenoids

147 and 148 to move the printing elements 142 and 143 (FIG. 9) from a position corresponding to that illustrated in FIG. 12 to a position in which the diagonal printing elements are in a position to make a record on the tape 130. The record printed by the three printing elements on the tape 130 is shown opposite the key D in FIG. 15.

The printing is not effected until'the bolt 100, in moving from the unlocked position to the locked position, closes the print hammer microswitch 125. The closing of the switch actuates the print hammer solenoid 189 to cause the print hammer 190 to advance, forcing the tape against the

printing elements

141, 142 and 143, and against the hour wheel 161 and minute wheel 162.

During the advance of the print hammer 190 to effect a printing on the tape 130, the ratchet advances the drive wheel 133 to move the tape a short distance. The printing is effected, and the ratchet 180 advances the tape an additional short dai distance on the return stroke, thereby dividing the advance of the tape into two short steps, as previously explained, with the advantage that the tendency of the tape to slip is reduced.

The time of the recording is indicated as a part of the recording by the embossed numberson the hour wheel 161 and the minute wheel 162.

The operation is facilitated by the electric circuitry of FIG. 14, which includes a three-terminal plug 310 supplying 115 volts, 60 cycles per second current to the timer motor 242 and to a bridge rectifier 312 through a switch 314 governed by a solenoid 316. The solenoid 316 is momentarily energized when the plug 310 is connected to asource of current in that current flows through an RC circuit 318; to a group lead 320. The current supplied to the AC circuit 318 comes from the secondary 322 of a transformer 324 for stepping the I I5 volts down to 24 volts.

Leads

326 and 328 connect opposite ends of the secondary coil 332 to a full-wave rectifier 330 so that, regardless of the polarity of the current, there is a flow of current through the solenoid 316 and through the RC circuit 318 to ground, when the plug 310 is plugged in. This pulls in the solenoid 316, closing the switch 314 and completing a 115 volt AC supply to the bridge rectifier 312, which actuates the print hammer solenoid 189.

After the closing of the switch 314 caused by the initial surge of power, the governing solenoid 316 becomes deenergized because the capacitor 332 of the circuit 318 does not pass the rectified current, and the current flowing through the resistor 334 of the RC circuit 318 is limited by the magnitude of the resistance to a value too small to enable the solenoid 316 to close theswitch 314.

It is clear that, each time power is supplied to the recorder foilowing interruption thereof, a power on recording (FIG. 15) is made. The time concurrently recorded is the time registered by the clock 161) when power was interrupted, and the difference between the correct time when the recorder is inspected and the time then shown by the clock 160 accurately measures the duration of the interruption of power. This is a powerful aid in reconstructing the events surrounding an attempt to circumvent the apparatus.

The closing of the midnight switch 296 likewise actuates the print hammer solenoid 189, in that the RC circuit 336 is than connected to ground, permitting a sudden surge through the capacitor 338 thereof. The print hammer solenoid 189 is energized as before, because of the surge of current through the solenoid 316, which closes the contact 314. The print hammer solenoid 159 is then quickly deenergized as before, the capacitor 333 becoming discharged through the shunt resistor 340, and the current through the resistor 340 being insufficient to enable the solenoid 316 to close the switch 314.

The print hammer switch 125, when closed, energizes the solenoid 316 through an RC circuit 342, the operation of which is clear from the preceding description and need not be set forth in detail. Like the

RC circuits

318 and 336, the circuit 342 enables the solenoid 316 momentarily to close the switch 314.

In each case, the energizing of the print hammer solenoid 189 is only momentary, and, following deenergization thereof, the capacitors of the

RC circuits

318, 336 and 342 become quickly discharged so that the circuits are in condition to facilitate repeated actuation of the print hammer solenoid 189 upon supply of power following interruption thereof, operation of the midnight switch, or actuation of the print hammer switch, respectively.

The case open" switches 235 include a switch 350 con-- nected to the contact 4012 through a lead 352 and a switch 354 connected to the solenoid 316 through a lead 356. On opening of the case, first the switch 351] closes, rotating the marker 142 to print a diagonal line, then the switch 354 closes, actuating the print hammer solenoid 189 to produce the case open recording shown in FIG. 15.

To summarize, the insertion of key D in the plug 35 and the subsequent turning of the key the key causes a recording of the D pattern (FIG. 15) on the strip 130 and the attendant two-step advance of the strip 130 to bring a fresh portion thereof into the recording zone 132. The pawl 128a prevents reversal of the direction of turning of the key before full locking is achieved. While the strip .130 is being advanced, therefore, the user of the key continues to turn it to move the locking bolt 100 to the full locking position.

Full locking is obtained when the key has been rotated through 360 so that the key is again vertical and may be withdrawn from the plug 35.

The withdrawal of the key D from plug 35 restores the lockrecorder system to the condition thereof which was initially assumed, except that the lock is now in the locking position. In the interim, moreover, the system has made a recording which identifies as D the key used in the lock to provide the locking action. Hence, assuming that the owner of the key D is known, the system provides a means of ascertaining who it was who turned the key for the purpose of locking.

When the gear 86 is engaged with the gear 91, the plug 35 is positively coupled with the locking bolt 100. After the key has been withdrawn, the plug is positively held in the locking position by the pins of the key cylinder. It follows that, when the bolt is in a locking position, the plug 35 itself acts as a stop holding the bolt in that position. Absent the use of a proper key, by which the plug 35 is rotated to the unlocking position, locking the bolt 100 cannot be shifted from the locking position to the unlocking position except by shearing off the pins of the key cylinder or by breaking the gearing by which the plug 35 is connected to the bolt 100.

Unlocking is accomplished by the insertion in the plug 35 and the subsequent turning therein through 360 of the key D or another one of the set of five keys. The operation of the described system during unlocking is the same as before except that the key is turned counterclockwise (looking at the lock from the street side).

While the operation of the system has so far been described in connection with the key D, theuse in the lock of any other of the five keys has substantially similar results, except that different combinations of the

contacts

40a, 40b, and 400 are made and not made and correspondingly different combinations of

solenoids

146, 147, and 148 are energized to position the marking

elements

141, 142 and 143.

On occasion it is necessary to move the locking bolt by the indoor key 115. In such instances, the key is inserted as earlier described to disengage the gear 86 from the gear 91 (FIG. 2), and the key is then turned to rotate the pinion 97 to move the bolt 1% in the desired direction. This closes the switch 129 shown in FIGS. 5 and 14, thereby connecting the contact 400 to the solenoid 148 and energizing that solenoid only of the solenoids 146-148 to produce the inside lock print out shown in FIG. 15. As before, the movement of the bolt 100 causes the cam to close the microswitch 125, thereby to actuate the print hammer solenoid 189.

As mentioned, the microswitch 296 is closed each midnight. Whether the three horizontal lines printed out represent power on" or midnight is easily determined, because the recorded patterns are always accompanied by a recording of the time.

The above-described embodiment is exemplary only, it being understood that additions thereto, modifications thereof an and deletions therefrom can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and that the invention comprehends embodiments differing in form or detail from that which has been specifically described. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as limited save as is consonant with the recitals of the following claims.

We claim: 7

1. Apparatus comprising lock means turnable by the insertion therein of any one of a selected plurality of keys of different shapings, a plurality of electric contacts responsive to the shaping of any one of said keys when inserted to provide an electric signal indicative of the identity of that key, said plurality of contacts accordingly being adapted to provide a plurality of such signals of which each corresponds to a respective one of said keys, drive means to advance a record sheet through a recording zone, an array of selectively positionable recording elements disposed at said zone, electromechanical positioning means for said elements, said electromechanical means being responsive to said signals to set up a position permutation of said elements when one of said keys is turned in said lock means corresponding to the conditions of said contacts, record-forming means actuated after one of said pennutations has been set up to produce a recording on said sheet of marks representing that permutation, clock means for producing an indication of the time of each recording, said electromechanical positioning means setting up a distinctive position permutation of said elements'in response to restoration of power after failure thereof, and actuating means for actuating said record-forming means after said distinctive position permutation has been set up to produce a power-on recording on said sheet of the time as indicated by said clock means, said actuating means comprising a source of electrical energy, solenoid means, and RC circuit means connecting said source and said solenoid means, whereby a transient current surge is generated upon restoration of power following failure thereof, said current surge momentarily energizing said solenoid means and said solenoid means actuating said recordforming means.

2. Recording apparatus comprising advance means to advance a record sheet through a recording zone, an array of pivot rods on one side of said zone, said pivot rods each being pivotable about an axis parallel to said zone and said rods each having a plurality of printing elements on an end face of each element presented towards said zone, electromechanical ment thereby to produce a printing on said sheet of a representation of such permutation, further comprising means connecting said armature and said advance means, whereby' actuation of said print hammer to effect a printing is associated with actuation of said advance means to advance said sheet, said armature moving with a reciprocating stroke and said advance means being actuated during movement of said armature in each direction. a

P UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE over page, line under title (item [5 "16 Drawing Figs."

" CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,5 9,9 1 Dated Mar. 9, 1971 Inventor(3) F. Hampton at 8.1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

should read --l5 Drawing Figs.--. 001. 1, line 32 after insert --the locked position t o--; line &7, after 'other' i1 --ob,jects--, and after "in a" insert --represente.tive embodiment--' line 51, after "if'irst' insert --portion--; line 52, after 'identification" insert --notches--. Col. 2, line 53, after "section" insert --of--; line 69, 'FIG. 9" should ste: new paragraph. Col. 3, line 1 delete "the roller" and in: --cylinder--; line 16, delete microswitch 21 (FIGS.)" and insert --recepta.cle 21 in--; line 17, after "plate" insert --24--; line 18, after "door' insert --22--; line 19, delete "cam 120'" and insert --is the face--; line 20, before "sore insert --by--; line 21, after "FIG. 3." delete "detei1."; ii 58, "hoe-40" should read --L Os.- +0c--. col. 5, line 9, delei detend"; line 34, after "oirouit" insert +--l26--; line 52, "120a" should be --l29s.--; line 56, after "of" insert ---an--- 001. 6, line 13, "is" should read --in--; lines 14 and 15, delete "solid (or phantom)" and insert --pha.ntom (or solid)- line a "of the" should read --of a--. col. 8, line #5, delete hi"; line 49, "FIG. .22" should read --FIG. 1l--. col. 9, line 6, "level" should read --lever--. Col. 10, 1111 delete "dai"; line 58, "group" should read round--;

line 59, "AC" should read --RC---. 001. 11, line 3, delete "the key" (second occurrence); line 70, delete "locking" (first occurrence). Col. 12, line 31, delete "an".

Signed and sealed this 9th day of November 1971 (SEAL) EDWARD H.FLETOHER,JR. ROBERT GO'ITSCHALK Attosting Officer Acting Commissioner of Patent

Claims

1. Apparatus comprising lock means turnable by the insertion therein of any one of a selected plurality of keys of different shapings, a plurality of electric contacts responsive to the shaping of any one of said keys when inserted to provide an electric signal indicative of the identity of that key, said plurality of contacts accordingly being adapted to provide a plurality of such signals of which each corresponds to a respective one of said keys, drive means to advance a record sheet through a recording zone, an array of selectively positionable recording elements disposed at said zone, electromechanical positioning means for said elements, said electromechanical means being responsive to said signals to set up a position permutation of said elements when one of said keys is turned in said lock means corresponding to the conditions of said contacts, record-forming means actuated after one of said permutations has been set up to produce a recording on said sheet of marks representing that permutation, clock means for producing an indication of the time of each recording, said electromechanical positioning means setting up a distinctive position permutation of said elements in response to restoration of power after failure thereof, and actuating means for actuating said record-forming means after said distinctive position permutation has been set up to produce a power-on recording on said sheet of the time as indicated by said clock means, said actuating means comprising a source of electrical energy, solenoid means, and RC circuit means connecting said source and said solenoid means, whereby a transient current surge is generated upon restoration of power following failure thereof, said current surge momentarily energizing said solenoid means and said solenoid means actuating said record-forming means.

2. Recording apparatus comprising advance means to advance a record sheet through A recording zone, an array of pivot rods on one side of said zone, said pivot rods each being pivotable about an axis parallel to said zone and said rods each having a plurality of printing elements on an end face of each element presented towards said zone, electromechanical means responsive to each of a plurality of different electric indicating signals to pivot at least one of said elements so as to convert each of said signals into a different permutation in pivot position of the printing elements on said rods, a print hammer on the other side of said zone, motive means including solenoid means having a movable armature connected to said print hammer and responsive to a tripping signal produced after each such permutation has been set up to actuate said hammer to bring said sheet into contact with said element thereby to produce a printing on said sheet of a representation of such permutation, further comprising means connecting said armature and said advance means, whereby actuation of said print hammer to effect a printing is associated with actuation of said advance means to advance said sheet, said armature moving with a reciprocating stroke and said advance means being actuated during movement of said armature in each direction.