Light Sensitive Control Means Patents (Class 70/DIG51)
  • Patent number: 5996383
    Abstract: An electronic module which is located between the plug cover and the front flange of the cylinder body has light and motion sensors that look out through holes in the cover. Whenever it is dark and a person approaches the lockset a light will be turned on to illuminate a translucent ring that surrounds the keyway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Emhart, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard G. Adelmeyer, Joseph J. Fata, Charles E. Babb
  • Patent number: 5838232
    Abstract: A multi-purpose locking device including a key made of a material, which is not a metal, but a synthetic resin, thereby enabling the key to be easily carried by the user. The key also has a configuration capable of selecting a key number from numerous possible key numbers, thereby preventing even skilled lock-picking persons from opening the locking device unless the key is used. The key includes a plurality of fine apertures and block members fitted in selected ones of the apertures and adapted to close those apertures. Light receiving positions are set by the apertures not closed by the block members whereas light shielding positions are set by the apertures closed by the block members. A locked state of the locking device is unlocked only when light is received at the light receiving positions while being shielded at the light shielding positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventors: Won Suk Kim, Jung Hoon Rhe
  • Patent number: 5552587
    Abstract: The invention herein is a terminal having secured access to data in a computer where such data is segregated and separately identified, access to the terminal being had by a tubular key rotating discs therein to interrupt a sustained light stream into a blinking code to be read by a counter transmitting the code read to the computer making the same operational to release and make operational the particular programs or data identified therein, all being subject to the operation of the terminal within a prescribed time span.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: John H. Moorhouse
  • Patent number: 5321963
    Abstract: An electrically operated locking system for doors and the like has an electrically operated locking device installed inside the door. A control device installed outside the door is operatively connected with the locking device. A sensor detects the position of the door with respect to the door mounting by a light activated means electrically coupled to the locking device such that when darkness is sensed, the locking device is activatable to operate the locking unit. When light is sensed, however, the locking device is nonactivatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Ilco Unican Inc.
    Inventor: Ilan Goldman
  • Patent number: 5291761
    Abstract: A motorcycle infrared rays lock for a motorcycle include a housing, an infrared rays receiving unit and a movable block contained in the housing and an infrared rays emitting unit. The infrared rays emitting unit is deposited in a separated case to be inserted in a front opening of the housing for turning on the emitter to emit a preset data signal to a sensor to actuate a receiving IC for examining the signal and turning on a transistor to actuate an electro-magnetic switch to retract a movable block. The movable block has a tooth end engaging a rack in an end portion of a hook rod locking a free end of a chain wound around a portion of a motorcycle wheel so that the chain can be taken off the hook rod and then off the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: Jein-Hei Lii
  • Patent number: 5132661
    Abstract: A security system which employs an optical key shape reader to photoelectrically derive an electrical signal from a shape characteristic of a key is disclosed. The system provides heightened security over standard key operated systems and is particularly well suited for use in motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Universal Photonix, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Pinnow
  • Patent number: 4996514
    Abstract: A car theft proofing system includes a sensor disposed in a cylinder lock for detecting insertion into the cylinder lock of a door key or other article, an alarm device for giving an alarm, an alarm drive device for driving the alarm device, a control unit for causing the alarm device to give the alarm in response to signals received from the sensor and the alarm drive device, and a radio transmitter for transmitting a radio wave upon insertion of the article. The alarm drive device includes a portable remote control transmitter and a receiver disposed on a car body. The remote control transmitter includes an abnormality alarm for transmitting a theft signal in response to the radio wave transmitted from the radio transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventor: Sadakatsu Sunami
  • Patent number: 4994722
    Abstract: A system for automatically locking a lavatory door on an aircraft from a remote location comprises means for activating the system, means for sensing the presence of a person in the lavatory, means for locking the lavatory when it is unoccupied and means for selectively overriding the system to allow entry by authorized personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David C. Dolan, Jimmie L. Grimes, David C. Broman, Kwan-Ho Bae
  • Patent number: 4985694
    Abstract: A car theft proofing system includes a sensor attached to a door lock mechanism for detecting insertion into the door lock mechanism of a door key or other article, an alarm device for giving an alarm, an alarm drive device for driving the alarm device, a control unit for causing the alarm device to give the alarm in response to signals received from the sensor and the alarm drive device, and a radio transmitter for transmitting a radio wave upon insertion of the article. The alarm drive device includes a portable remote control transmitter and a receiver disposed on a car body. The remote control transmitter includes an abnormally alarm for transmitting a theft signal in response to the radio wave transmitted from the radio transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Inventor: Sadakatsu Sunami
  • Patent number: 4985693
    Abstract: A car theft proofing system includes a sensor a sensor disposed adjacent a cylinder lock for detecting insertion into the cylinder lock of a door key or other article, an alarm device for giving an alarm, an alarm drive device for driving the alarm device, a control unit for causing the alarm device to give the alarm in response to signals received from the sensor and the alarm drive device, and a radio transmitter for transmitting a radio wave upon insertion of the article. The alarm drive device includes a portable remote control transmitter and a receiver disposed on a car body. The remote control transmitter includes an abnormality alarm for transmitting a theft signal in response to the radio wave transmitted from the radio transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Inventor: Sadakatsu Sunami
  • Patent number: 4983950
    Abstract: A car theft proofing system includes a sensor attached to or mounted adjacent a cylinder door lock for detecting insertion into the door lock of a door key or other article, an alarm device for giving an alarm, an alarm drive device for driving the alarm device, and a control unit for causing the alarm device to give the alarm in response to signals received from the sensor and the alarm drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Inventor: Sadakatsu Sunami
  • Patent number: 4983948
    Abstract: A car theft proofing system includes a sensor attached to or mounted adjacent a cylinder door lock for detecting insertion into the door lock of a door key or other article, an alarm device for giving an alarm, an alarm drive device for driving the alarm device, a control unit for causing the alarm device to give the alarm in response to signals received from the sensor and the alarm drive device, and a radio transmitter for transmitting a radio wave upon insertion of the article. The alarm drive device includes a portable remote control transmitter and a receiver disposed on a car body. The remote control transmitter includes an abnormality alarm for transmitting a theft signal in response to the radio wave transmitted from the radio transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Inventor: Sadakatsu Sunami
  • Patent number: 4868559
    Abstract: A security system which employs an optical key shaped reader to photoelectrically derive an electrical signal from a shape characteristic of a key is disclosed. The system provides heightened security over standard key operated systems and is particularly well suited for use in motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Universal Photonix, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Pinnow
  • Patent number: 4855710
    Abstract: In a burglarproof system for an automotive vehicle, a door key cylinder arranged at a vehicle door includes a cylindrical body and a rotor accommodated therein. An acting section provided at the rotor extends radially from an axis thereof. A door key switch arranged in the vicinity of the door key cylinder detects the acting section to output a key-operation detection signal, when the rotor is angularly moved by turning operation of a key to bring a door locking mechanism to an unlocked position. A door lock switch detects in which one of the locked and unlocked positions the locking mechanism is. A stealing detector is provided for outputting a stealing detection signal when the stealing detector does not receive the key-operation detection signal from the door key switch, but receives the lock-releasing detection signal from the door lock switch. A burglarproof unit executes operation for a burglarproof in response to the stealing detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Diesel Kiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideya Kikuchi, Hiroshi Ikeuchi
  • Patent number: 4810861
    Abstract: An information carrier (17) has formations (20,21) which are engaged by contact elements (30,32) during insertion of the carrier into a receiving member (39) the movement of the contact elements is amplified and transmitted by levers (26,33) to respective means (25,34) for providing electrical signals representing movement of the contact elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Lowe & Fletcher Limited
    Inventors: Victor L. Herriott, Roy S. Jefferies
  • Patent number: 4749072
    Abstract: Disclosed is a clutch mechanism suitable for use in an electronic lock. The clutch mechanism requires minimum electronic current draw for operation by utilizing mechanical power applied to operate the lock to engage the clutch mechanism. A camming device in combination with a timed function motion sensor and latching solenoid released interference shutter accomplishes the object of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company
    Inventors: Ronald D. Lichty, Thomas W. Crosley, Victor H. Yee
  • Patent number: 4650987
    Abstract: An apparatus for the prevention of the unintentional exposure of photo material includes an electromagnetically locking flap on an apparatus designed as a storage chest for photo material. The flap as a cover for said chest and a photocell or the like respond to the luminosity of the environment. In the case of the prevalence of an adequate darkness a solenoid affects the magnet so as to unlock the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Inventor: Klaus P. R. Schwuchow
  • Patent number: 4637235
    Abstract: A opto-electric combination lock is described in which a single light emitting diode provides light to a phototransistor through a path which can be created by pulling and rotating a plurality of plunger assemblies. Each of the plunger assemblies have an opening therethrough which is placed in alignment with the path if that particular plunger assembly is pulled and rotated by the combination amount. The lock includes a switch for enabling the power supply only upon the pulling of a particular one of the plunger assemblies and further includes circuit means for actuating an event such as unlocking a door upon the creation of the light path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Inventor: Edward Conner
  • Patent number: 4594505
    Abstract: A photoelectric key switch device for preventing error of the output timing of electrical signals from a group of light-receiving elements, while operating an electric processing unit by signals that are simultaneously produced. The device is provided with a rotor having a notch that forms optical paths between the elements of a group of light-emitting and light-receiving elements, other than one set of elements, when a key is inserted into the rotor and the rotor is rotated through a pre-determined angle. Another notch forms an optical path between the set of elements and the aforementioned one set of elements when the rotor is additionally rotated through an angle .alpha..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1986
    Assignee: Takigen Seizou Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoyuki Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 4573046
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a universal electronic locking system (UELS) which controls an actuating device for a lock is disclosed. The system is composed of two elements, a signal-transmitting unit and a signal-receiving unit. The signal-transmitting unit is envisioned, in one embodiment, as contained within a watch and powered by the power source of the watch so as to transmit an optical signal to the signal-receiving unit. The integrated circuit chip of the watch is expanded to include a programmable memory unit such that various codes may be entered in the watch and the codes may be changed at any interval desired by the operator. The digital display of the watch serves a dual purpose for displaying time and for entering key codes. The signal-receiving unit comprises a photodetector for receiving an optical signal from the signal-transmitting unit and contains a programmable memory unit which is responsive to each and all codes contained in the signal-transmitting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: Universal Photonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Pinnow
  • Patent number: 4546345
    Abstract: A theft preventing device comprising a lock body, a cable member having one end fixed to the lock body and the other end fastenable to the lock body to bring the device into a locking position, and an alarm system contained in the lock body. The alarm system includes an alarm device, a drive circuit for the alarm device, and an inhibiting circuit for the drive circuit. The inhibiting circuit is completed by means of a light-conducting member extending through and along the cable member. Maximized alarming effects against various means of theft are achieved, and thus the device suitably prevents an object to be protected from being stolen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyasu Naito
  • Patent number: 4449385
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for an automotive vehicle includes a lock and key housed separately and remote from a bolt and its actuating mechanism. The bolt portion is located in an inaccessible housing and connected to the lock by means of a burglar-proof connection. The electronic lock arrangement employed permits of a large number of combinations and thereby increases the security of the anti-theft device. By placing the bolt in an inaccessible housing, direct tampering with the locking bolt is precluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1984
    Assignee: Antivols Simplex
    Inventors: Andre Thirion, Antoine Sorba, Jean-Claude Dany, Andre Pacaud, Gerard Attal
  • Patent number: 4369481
    Abstract: A lock comprising a laser adapted to emit a beam of light along a given path. A plurality of photo-diodes are electrically connected together and located at spaced apart positions defining a unique pattern. A key having a light reflecting means is adapted to be located in the path of the laser beam. The reflecting means when located in the laser beam path reflects light back to the photo-diodes in the unique pattern to cause the lock to be unlocked. In another embodiment, the photo-diodes are located in an array which is scanned to determine if light is reflected from the reflecting means of the key in a unique pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1983
    Inventor: David Early
  • Patent number: 4196347
    Abstract: A door security system includes a lock that is released by an electronic control unit carried on the door and activated by radiation from an r.f. oscillator in a user's key unit. The key unit, provided on a finger ring, includes one or more photovoltaic devices that convert light energy received from a lamp on the door to electrical power for the r.f. oscillator. The r.f. emission may be binary-code modulated and the control unit then includes an appropriate modulation-code detector. The door unit may also include a light-source that emits coded pulses of infra-red light and then the key unit includes a circuit to detect whether the infra-red light received is of the appropriate code-format as a condition for activation of the r.f. oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1980
    Assignee: Chubb & Son's Lock and Safe Company Limited
    Inventor: John Hadley
  • Patent number: 4079605
    Abstract: An optical key reader for door locks is disclosed including optical scanning means for detecting a code pattern on a key unit when the unit is randomly oriented in an area near a given surface; the detected code being then compared by comparator means with a predetermined code which is stored in the reader. If a match is found in this comparison, the comparator means generates an actuation signal which is coupled to an electrically-actuatable securing means to cause the securing means to allow access through a door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1978
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company
    Inventor: Vernon A. Bartels