US3921040A - Locking system - Google Patents

Locking system Download PDF

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Publication number
US3921040A
US3921040A US412095A US41209573A US3921040A US 3921040 A US3921040 A US 3921040A US 412095 A US412095 A US 412095A US 41209573 A US41209573 A US 41209573A US 3921040 A US3921040 A US 3921040A
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United States
Prior art keywords
key
circuitry
impedance
setting
values
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Expired - Lifetime
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US412095A
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English (en)
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Walter Wilson Hugh Clarke
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Individual
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Individual
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • G07F7/10—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means together with a coded signal, e.g. in the form of personal identification information, like personal identification number [PIN] or biometric data
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
    • G06Q20/34—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
    • G06Q20/347—Passive cards
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • G07F7/10—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means together with a coded signal, e.g. in the form of personal identification information, like personal identification number [PIN] or biometric data
    • G07F7/1025—Identification of user by a PIN code
    • G07F7/1058—PIN is checked locally

Definitions

  • a locking system which includes a key device which includes at least one electrical impedance.
  • the key can be inserted into circuitry which contains adjustable impedances.
  • the circuitry is such that when the adjustable impedances are set to predetermined values which match those of the impedances in the key device, a locking device which is operated from the circuitry is released.
  • the exact circuitry can take many different forms. It may include provision for energizing an alarm after one or more incorrect attempts have been made to release the system by inserting the key and setting the variable impedances to incorrect values.
  • This invention relates to a locking system which may be used for drawers; tills. doors. windows or other members which it may be desired to lock in position. or for disabling cash tills or power supplies. and many other applications where there is a requirement for only an authorised person or persons to be able to effect some kind of operation.
  • the term locking should be interpreted accordingly.
  • a locking system comprises a key device which includes at least one electrical component, circuitry with which the key device can be electrically associated.
  • the circuitry being settable by an operator in such a manner as to provide one or more predetermined output signals when a predetermined combination of circuitry setting and associated key device exists. and means for tripping a locking device in response to recognition of the predetermined signal or signals.
  • an authorised person will associate his key device with the above-mentioned circuitry. for example by inserting part of the key device into a socket containing suitable connections. will then set. for example. one or more dials which adjust the values of the electrical components in the circuitry, will then press a switch to energise the circuitry and. if he has correctly setthe dials to match his key. he will then find that the locking system is automatically released. If he loses the key device. it alone cannot be used to trip the system and. if the dial setting or combination of settings associated with the lost key should become known to another person. he cannot trip the system without also obtaining the key device. The security of the system is thus relatively high. The settings for one key are inappropriate for another key.
  • the system can be provided with means for preventing removal of a key and for activating an alarm if an attempt is made to trip the system using dial settings inappropriate to the key used.
  • FIG. I shows schematically a relatively simple locking system using a resistance bridge.
  • FIG. 2 shows part of a locking system using a transformer bridge.
  • FIG. 3 shows a more refined system in which. in effect. a combination of two bridges is employed.
  • FIG. 4 shows schematically a system in which settable circuitry, when it is appropriately set and a correct key device is associated with it. produces an output sig nal in the form of a predetermined frequency oscillation.
  • FIG. 5 shows in more detail a further system in accordance with the-invention
  • 1 FIG. 6 shows a key-retaining andalarm-energising arrangement.
  • I v i In the FIG. I embodiment aresistance bridge comprises in three of its arms resistors R R and R and. in
  • an AC source (this could alternatively be DC).
  • the other diagonal of the bridge is connected between ground and an output line 3. the line 3 being connectable to the input of a lockout channel 5 by closure of one contact of a switch 2.
  • a command signal from a source eg 12V DC
  • the exact circuitry of the tip and lockout channels 4 and 5 can be of various known forms and is arranged so that the command signal from the trip channel 4 is effective to release a locking device indicated at 7 unless the lockout channel is at the same time producing an output signal.
  • a key device 8 which includes a fixed resistor R to the ends of which are connected terminals 9 which can be connected to the terminals 1 of the bridge.
  • the terminals 1 of the bridge may be a pair of sockets.
  • the terminals 9 of the key device may be a pair of pins arranged to fit into the sockets.
  • the key resistor could alternatively fit in the positions of any of resistors R R and R3.
  • the authorised person also knows what specific setting of a dial which adjusts the resistor R will give the resistor R. a value such that. when the key device 8 is connected to the circuitry. the resistance values of the four arms will represent a balanced condition.
  • the authorised person inserts or connects his key device. and then sets the dial to the predetermined setting. He then manually closes the switch 2 to sample the bridge output and connect the command signal to the unlocking or trip circuit. A substantially zero output signal appears on line 3 because the bridge has been balanced. In this condition the lockout channel 5 will not override the trip channel 4. so the device 7 will be energised and unlocked.
  • a bridge is again used but two arms consist of the respective halves L and L of the centre tapped secondary of a transformer T of which the primary is connected across the switch 2 and an AC source in series.
  • the key device is shown in the same arm as the fixed resistor. but it could equally well be designed into the other resistive arm.
  • FIG. 2 system operates generally in the same way as the FIG. 1 system to produce a substantially zero output signal on line 3 when the correct setting of resistor R and the correct key 8 are simultaneously used.
  • Trip and lockout circuitry similar to that indicated in FIG. 1 can be connected to the line 3 to control the locking device 7.
  • a transformer bridge is again used. with the halves L, and L of a transformer secondary forming two arms of the bridge.
  • the two parts R and R of an adjustable potentiometer form two further arms which are connected to form parallel potential dividers including the other arms for two bridges involving the fixed resistors R and R from one bridge and R and R for another.
  • the key device 8 comprises two resistors R and R connected between three terminals.
  • the two end terminals of the key device contact temiinals at the ends of resistors R and R and the central terminals contacts a terminal connected to one end of the transformer half L
  • two inductance/resistance bridges are in effect formed. the output of one of which appears on a line 30 and the output of the other of which appears on a line 3b.
  • an authorised person inserts his key device 8 and sets the adjustable potentiometer. for example using a dial. to a predetermined setting which will balance the bridge which contains resistor R He then closes a switch 11 which is ganged with a command signal switch (not shown. but equivalent to the lower part of switch 2 in FIG. 1). which sends the output signal on line 311 and the command signal (e.g. lZV DC) to memory and logic circuitry. If the key device and the potentiometer setting were both correct. the signal on line 3h will be substantially zero. He then again sets the potentiometer. this time to a predetermined setting which should balance the bridge which contains the resistor R of the key device. Having done so. he closes a switch 12.
  • the memory and logic circuitry may be of any conventional type that is capable of producing an energising signal for the locking device in re sponse to receipt of two substantially zero input signals from lines 3a and 3b and the command signals. but not in response to a non-zero input signal received from either or both line 3a or 3b.
  • the adjustable circuit components have in each case been shown and described as resistors. and the electrical component or components in the key device have been resistors.
  • the key and the bridge can include resistive. inductive and/or capacitive impedance elements in various dispositions and any one or more than one of these elements may be adjustable. for example by means of a respective dial. If more than one of them is adjustable. using more than one dial. then it will be necessary to make the appropriate combination of dial settings in order to set the circuitry ready for the key device.
  • the bridge circuit can be of a more complex form than the simple bridge I shown in FIG. 1.
  • a plurality of simple bridges such as are shown in FIG. 1 could be used. and a single key device containing several resistors which are simultaneously connected into the several bridges when the key device is connected into the bridge circuitry. for example by being plugged into a socket provided with appropriate connections.
  • FIG. 4 shows part of afurther embodiment of the invention wherein an oscillator circuit 13 is provided with power frornaDC input terminal 14.
  • the oscillator includes a variable capacitor 15 and a pair of terminals 16 to which a keydevice including a fixed capacitor 17 can be connected.
  • the output line "l8 of the oscillator is connected byclosure of a switch 19 to frequencyselective circuitry.-which can include a narrow-band trip sub-channel 20 and a wide-band lockout sub-channel 21 (as disclosed in'our US. Pat. No. 3.829.836. which will produce an output signal to trip or release a locking device 7 only when its input signal is within a certain. and preferably very restricted. frequency band and mother frequencies are present at substantial intensity.
  • the authorised person possesses the key device containing the capacitor 17 and also knows the predetermined dial setting which will set the capacitor 15 to a value such that. with the set capacitor 15 and the key capacitor 17 in the oscillator circuit the oscillator 13 will produce an output signal on line 18 which is within the predetermined restricted frequency band. Release of the locking device 7 will thus be produced by closure of switch 19. If either the key device is wrong or the capacitor 15 is wrongly set. the locking device 7 will not be released. Once a wrong frequency on line 17 has been applied to the sub-channels by closure of switch 19, lockout will occur and subsequent attempts to operate the system correctly will not succeed.
  • a lockout arrangement When a lockout arrangement is provided. its output can be arranged to operate some kind of visual or audible alarm to give a warning that an unauthorised person. using the wrong key or setting. is attempting to release the system. It may also be arranged to operate an arrangement which holds the key device in association with the bridge or other detecting circuitry. for example by energisation of an electromechanical latch which engages with the key device. Thus, the same key device will not be able to be used again in an attempt to effect unauthorised release of the system. Both these latter features will be described in more detail with refbe described only briefly.
  • the resistance bridge is fed from the mains via a mains transformer 31 and con tains a potentiometer 32 the wiper of which can be set by turning a knob 33 associated with a numbered dial 34.
  • Two variable resistors 35 in the bridge will be preset in different ways for different installations so as to determine what combination of key and dial setting will release that installation.
  • the circuit is a double bridge similar to that shown in FIG. 3, and it has two output lines 3a and 3b corresponding to those in FIG. 3.
  • a conventional DC power supply circuit 35 provides a'supply voltage V which is applied through a solenoid operated switch 36 to various points in the circuitry as indicated by the references V
  • a circuit 36 includes a normally openswitch 37, which may be a press-button switch.
  • the logic circuitry includes four flip-flops marked 38,39, 40 and41, respectively. Each of them may be a Texas Instruments TTL 7473 Circuits 42 and 43 provide a zero output signal on their respective output lines 44 and 45 in response to receipt of an input signal from lines 3a and 3b and produce positive output signals on lines 44 and 45 in response to zero input signals from lines-3a and 3!).
  • flip-flop 39 When flip-flop 39 provides an output signal that energises a conventional timer circuit 46 which in turn energises a relay 47 for a predetermined period, such as r a few seconds, and the relay energises an electrically released lock 48, thus releasing it, for the corresponding period.
  • a conventional timer circuit 46 which in turn energises a relay 47 for a predetermined period, such as r a few seconds, and the relay energises an electrically released lock 48, thus releasing it, for the corresponding period.
  • a warning light 49 is energised from a suitable supply by the conduction of a transistor 50.
  • a solenoid 51 When an output signal is produced from the upper half of flip-flop 41 a solenoid 51 is energised which switches switch 36 toa position where it applies voltage V to an alarm 52, for example an electric bell, at the same time disconnecting the voltage V from the main circuitry of the system. Solenoid 51 also operates a key hold mechanism 53 which prevents the key from being withdrawn from a socket into which it has been inserted, as will be more clearly described below.
  • an operator inserts his key into a suitable key-receiver and this connects two resistors 54 and 55, contained in the key, into the bridge as shown.
  • the key also includes a bridging contact 56, which for the sake of simplicity is shown connected to the resistors 54 and 55 by a broken line, across a pair of contacts in a circuit 57 which in response provides a presetting signal to the logic circuitry making it ready to operate.
  • knob 33 sets knob 33 to one predetermined position intended to produce a zero output from the bridge on line 3a and presses and releases switch 37 to generate a clock pulse C,,. He then sets the knob 33 for a second time to a predetermined position which should produce a zero output signal on line 31; and presses switch 37 again to generate a further clock pulse C,,.
  • the logic circuitry causes timer 46 and relay 47 to operate so that lock 48 is released for a predetermined time, enabling the operator to, for example, walk through a door which had been locked thereby.
  • the circuitry illustrated avoids giving unnecessary alarm by permitting an authorised person to make a mistake at his first attempt to release the system, without the alarm being energised, and warns him that he has made the mistake. An authorised person will then in all probability get the correct settings at his second attempt and will release the lock.
  • FIG. 6 shows a key 60 in the form of a plastics plate (seen from one edge) into one end 61 of which the resistors 54 and 55 are incorporated. Leads from the resistors can be in printed circuit form on the upper surface of the key 60, extending to the left-hand end of the key, so that when that end is inserted into a conventional edge-connector 62 (as used for connecting to the edges of printed circuit boards). the resistors become connected into the bridge by means of the leads illustrated at 63.
  • a hole 64 in the key is in line with the end 65 of a plunger 66 when the key is in the inserted position.
  • Plunger 66 is biased downwardly by spring 67 compressed between a fixed part 68 and a shoulder 69 on the plunger 66, but is normally retained in the upper position (as shown in broken lines) by a plunger 70 of solenoid 51 engaging in a notch 71 on plunger 66.
  • Plunger 66 in the upper position also presses the actuator 72 of a suitable switch, such as a miniature snapaction switch 73 (corresponding to switch 36 in FIG.
  • a locking system comprising a key device which includes at least one impedance, key receiving means, circuitry in which said at least one impedance can be connected by associating said key with said key receiving means, said circuitry including at least one variable impedance.
  • manually operable means for setting the value or values of said at least one variable impedance.
  • a locking device means for releasing the locking device when said at least one variable impedance has been correctly set to a value or plurality of values having a predetermined relationship with the value or values of the at least one impedance in the key device when the key device is associated with the key receiving means.
  • alarm means said circuitry being adapted to energise the alarm means in response to an incorrect setting. and wherein the circuitry is adapted to energise the alarm means in response only to the last of a plurality of incorrect settings. whereby to permit at least one incorrect attempt at releasing the locking device to be made without cnergising the alarm means.
  • a locking system as claimed in claim 1 comprising warning means.
  • the circuitry being adapted to energise the warning means in response to a first incorrect setting of the variable impedances.
  • a locking system as claimed in claim 2 wherein a plurality of settings of said at least one variable impedance are required to constitute a correct setting and the circuitry is adapted to cnergise the warning means only after all the plurality of settings have been com- 8 pleted, whichever of said plurality ofsettings was incorrect,
  • 4.'A locking system comprising a key device which includes at least'one impedance. key receiving means. circuitry in which said at least one impedance can be connected by associating said key with said key receiving means. said circuitry including at least one variable impedance. manually operable means for setting the value or values of said at least one variable impedance. a locking device. means for releasing the locking device when said at least one variable impedance has been correctly set to a value or plurality of values having a predetermined relationship with the value or values of the at least one impedance in the key device when the key device is associated with the key receiving means.
  • said circuitry includes first circuit means for generating a control signal depending upon the correct or incorrect setting of said at least one variable impedance. and said releasing means is responsive to said control signal. and further including switch means manually operable to couple said first circuity means to said releasing means.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
US412095A 1972-11-06 1973-11-02 Locking system Expired - Lifetime US3921040A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB5117972A GB1446170A (en) 1972-11-06 1972-11-06 Locking system

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US3921040A true US3921040A (en) 1975-11-18

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JP (1) JPS4994500A (ja)
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GB (1) GB1446170A (ja)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5287098A (en) * 1991-02-11 1994-02-15 Briggs & Stratton Corp. Fail safe system for a mechanical lock and key set with electrical interlock
US5455571A (en) * 1991-02-11 1995-10-03 Strattec Security Corporation Fail safe system for a mechanical lock key set with electronic interlock
US20030234579A1 (en) * 2002-06-25 2003-12-25 Janssen David C. Vehicle coded ignition lock using a mabnetic sensor
US20090255304A1 (en) * 2008-04-15 2009-10-15 Ki Dong Kim Key storage casing having key recognition function
US20160090753A1 (en) * 2014-09-26 2016-03-31 Assa Abloy Inc. Integrated lock body system for securing access points

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3136307A (en) * 1961-12-18 1964-06-09 Joseph D Richard Vehicle starting system
US3283550A (en) * 1964-05-25 1966-11-08 Bradway Joseph Electrical locking arrangement
US3347072A (en) * 1965-06-28 1967-10-17 Bretan H Electronic solid state lock mechanism
US3518655A (en) * 1966-07-20 1970-06-30 Benno B Saul Security devices
US3654522A (en) * 1970-07-09 1972-04-04 Gordon S Isserstedt Security control device
US3673467A (en) * 1970-10-28 1972-06-27 Eaton Corp Resistively-coded security system

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3136307A (en) * 1961-12-18 1964-06-09 Joseph D Richard Vehicle starting system
US3283550A (en) * 1964-05-25 1966-11-08 Bradway Joseph Electrical locking arrangement
US3347072A (en) * 1965-06-28 1967-10-17 Bretan H Electronic solid state lock mechanism
US3518655A (en) * 1966-07-20 1970-06-30 Benno B Saul Security devices
US3654522A (en) * 1970-07-09 1972-04-04 Gordon S Isserstedt Security control device
US3673467A (en) * 1970-10-28 1972-06-27 Eaton Corp Resistively-coded security system

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5287098A (en) * 1991-02-11 1994-02-15 Briggs & Stratton Corp. Fail safe system for a mechanical lock and key set with electrical interlock
US5455571A (en) * 1991-02-11 1995-10-03 Strattec Security Corporation Fail safe system for a mechanical lock key set with electronic interlock
US20030234579A1 (en) * 2002-06-25 2003-12-25 Janssen David C. Vehicle coded ignition lock using a mabnetic sensor
US6958551B2 (en) 2002-06-25 2005-10-25 Strattec Security Corporation Vehicle coded ignition lock using a magnetic sensor
US20090255304A1 (en) * 2008-04-15 2009-10-15 Ki Dong Kim Key storage casing having key recognition function
US20160090753A1 (en) * 2014-09-26 2016-03-31 Assa Abloy Inc. Integrated lock body system for securing access points
US10655363B2 (en) * 2014-09-26 2020-05-19 Assa Abloy Inc. Integrated lock body system for securing access points

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Publication number Publication date
DE2355398A1 (de) 1974-05-16
GB1446170A (en) 1976-08-18
JPS4994500A (ja) 1974-09-07

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